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:	Mark Thiel, Asst. Director of Public Works David Cronin, City Engineer
Date:	15 January 2013
RE:	22 January 2013 City Commission Agenda Item NO PARKING on Dakota Street

Background

On October 1, 2012, the Traffic Safety Commission heard two requests to establish NO PARKING along one side of Dakota Street between Louisiana Street & Ohio Street. Both requests referenced the difficulty getting onto Dakota Street from Louisiana Street with vehicles parked on both sides of Dakota Street.

Traffic Safety Commission Action

At the Traffic Safety Commission meeting, no one from the public spoke to the request; however, one member of the Commission that was familiar with the situation suggested that the request be scaled-back to just 80 feet of NO PARKING on the south side of the street adjacent to Louisiana Street. A motion to that effect was unanimously approved.

City Commission Action

On October 16, 2012, the City Commission Consent Agenda included an item to establish NO PARKING along the south side of Dakota Street from Louisiana Street east 80 feet. Carol Bowen, 403 Dakota Street, requested that the item be pulled from the Consent Agenda for separate discussion. Bowen indicated that the neighborhood was not involved initially because it was a local issue; however, there is a lot of speeding cut-through traffic and the residents adjacent to Louisiana park on Dakota since their driveways are on Louisiana. The Commission continued the item to allow the neighborhood to discuss and come to a consensus.

Response

Bowen responded that she discussed this item with the Parkhill Neighborhood Association, but they were not interested in the issue; however, Bowen is opposed to the request for a number of reasons such as the need for parking and traffic speeding through the neighborhood. In addition, another resident of the neighborhood submitted an email supporting Bowen’s concerns (see attached emails).

Action Request

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