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:	7 December 2011
RE:	13 December 2011 City Commission Agenda Item NO PARKING; 12^th Street, west of Indiana Street

Background

On October 3 and November 7, 2011, the Traffic Safety Commission heard a request to establish NO PARKING along the north side of 12^th Street, west of Indiana Street.  The request expressed concerns for public safety including access by emergency vehicles, sanitation vehicles, delivery vehicles, as well as larger private vehicles.  At the October 3^rd meeting, three individuals spoke in favor of the request; one individual that rents an apartment on the block, the mother of that same individual, and Mark Bradford, Fire Chief.  In addition, two individuals spoke in opposition to the request; an owner occupant of one of the adjacent properties and the owner of one of the apartment buildings (also representing another apartment building owner.)  The Commission tabled the item and requested additional information on the possibility of off-street parking for one of the properties and the possibility of removing the median.  At the November 7^th meeting, the parent again spoke in favor of the request.

Traffic Safety Commission Action

The Traffic Safety Commission had considerable discussion at both the October and the November meeting before making a recommendation.  A motion to recommend establishing NO PARKING along the north side of 12^th Street or to remove the median was approved, 5-3.  The dissenting votes had the following concerns:  one resident for 37 years was opposed; there was no consensus within the neighborhood and parking would be taken away from taxpayers.

Action Request

It is recommended that the City Commission concur with the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Commission, if appropriate.