Agenda Information Sheet
DEPARTMENT: Engineering Services
CM/ ACM: Mario Canizares
Date: September 14, 2017
SUBJECT
Title
Receive a report and hold a discussion regarding no parking any time restriction on the south side of Congress Street from Bolivar Street to Carroll Boulevard.
Body
BACKGROUND
In the recent past, City staff has received several requests from concerned residents regarding the segment of Congress Street between Bolivar Street and Carroll Boulevard. The primary issue was the narrow street width and the heavy use of on-street parking (both sides) along this section of the roadway.
The segment of Congress Street between Bolivar Street and Carroll Boulevard is approximately 29 feet in width and experiences heavy on-street parking on both sides due to the proximity of the Seven Mile Cafe and other retail/commercial uses on the south side of the street on either end. The Fire Code requires a street to be a minimum of 26 feet for allowing on-street parking on one side and 32 feet for allowing on-street parking on both sides. This requirement provides the necessary space essential for access and deployment of fire equipment. The current street width does not provide sufficient capacity to legally permit on-street parking on both sides of Congress Street between Bolivar Street and Carroll Boulevard as it does not satisfy the requirement included in the fire code.
Based on direction provided by the Traffic Safety Commission during the meeting on August 7, 2017 staff has notified the property owners and residents on Congress Street about the proposed discussion item regarding parking on Congress Street to ensure residents and property owners have an opportunity to voice any concerns they may have. Letters were mailed on September 8th and door hangers were placed on September 12th at commercial and residential addresses on both sides of Congress Street.
Based on review of existing parking conditions and the available street width for two-way traffic along Congress Street between Bolivar Street and Carroll Boulevard and further review of the Fire Department access and response needs, staff recommends restricting parking on one side of the street. This will allow emergency vehicles to respond to public safety calls and allow for the safe deployment of Fire Department equipment. While considering this recommendation, it should be noted that typically restricting on street parking reduces the side friction resulting in the possibility of increase in average speeds along this segment of Congress Street.
Staff is aware there are other street segments throughout the community that experience heavy on-street parking and may be in conflict of the Fire Code minimum street width of 26 feet. Staff is in the process of identifying these street segments and reviewing options with the intent of developing a comprehensive plan to balance public safety requirements and on-street parking needs. Staff intends to discuss some options of this comprehensive plan with the Commission during the meeting.
OPTIONS
1. Recommend approval of an ordinance to restrict parking on one side of Congress Street
2. Decline recommendation of a no parking zone and provide staff with additional direction
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Option 1.
STRATEGIC PLAN RELATIONSHIP
The City of Denton’s Strategic Plan is an action-oriented road map that will help the City achieve its vision. The foundation for the plan is the five long-term Key Focus Areas (KFA): Organizational Excellence; Public Infrastructure; Economic Development; Safe, Livable, and Family-Friendly Community; and Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship. While individual items may support multiple KFAs, this specific City Council agenda item contributes most directly to the following KFA and goal:
Related Key Focus Area: Choose an item.
Related Goal: Choose an item.
EXHIBITS
1. Letter Notices to property owners and residents dated September 8, 2017
2. Door Hanger Notices dated September 12, 2017
3. Map of Congress Street
Respectfully submitted:
Pritam Deshmukh
Traffic Engineer