Agenda Information Sheet
DEPARTMENT: Capital Projects
CM/ ACM: Mario Canizares
Date: August 7, 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 discussion and direction provided during the Traffic Safety Commission meeting (August 7, 2017) staff will notify the property owners and residents on Congress Street regarding the proposed changes to the on-street parking along this segment. The residents and property owners along Congress Street will be given an opportunity to voice their concerns in a subsequent Traffic Safety Commission meeting where the issue and proposed solutions will be presented.
A 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 the south 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 (one side parking) and 32 feet (both side parking). 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.
OPTIONS
This is just a discussion item that does not require an action at this time.
RECOMMENDATION
This is just a discussion item that does not require an action at this time.
EXHIBITS
1. Map of Congress Street
Respectfully submitted:
Pritam Deshmukh
Traffic Engineer