Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Department of Public Works

Traffic Engineering Division

TO:	Charles Soules, Director of Public Works
FROM:	David Woosley, Transportation/Traffic Engineer
CC:	Shoeb Uddin, City Engineer
Date:	April 30, 2009
RE:	May 12, 2009 City Commission Agenda Item No Parking – Ash Street

Background

At the April 6, 2009 Traffic Safety Commission meeting the Commission addressed a request to establish No Parking along the south side of Ash Street for a distance of 100 feet west of 8th Street.  Ash Street is classified as a “local” street in a residential area with a chip & seal surface approximately 19 feet wide and parking permitted along both sides of the street. 

Evaluation

The city’s practice has been to not restrict parking on local streets in residential areas unless requested-by and supported-by area property owners and/or residents.

Traffic Safety Commission Action

Ted Boyle, representing the North Lawrence Improvement Association, spoke in support of the request.  He noted that this was requested by the adjacent property owner along with other neighbors in the area.  Boyle stated that all of the new development has increased the traffic and the speed in the area and there was a truck and trailer that consistently parks in this area even though there is sufficient off-street parking available.  The commissioners split on supporting the request; those that were opposed felt that an individual resident was being singled-out, that it appeared to be a neighborhood feud and that the result would be an increase in the speed of traffic.  The Commission voted 4-4 on a motion recommending the establishment of No Parking along the south side of Ash Street from 8^th Street west 100 feet.

Project Funding

It is estimated that this will require the installation of approximately two no parking signs at a cost of $37.50 each.

Action Request

Approve the request to establish no parking on Ash Street from 8^th Street west 100 feet if appropriate.