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Resident says street parking on Winchester Street was converted to bike lane without notice
Summary
Resident Ben Despain told the council Oct. 7 that parking in front of his Winchester Street home — used for 20 years — was changed to a bike lane following an intersection project; he said an officer asked him to move vehicles during striping and that city and state contacts gave mixed guidance.
Ben Despain addressed the council during public comment on Oct. 7 to report that a parking area in front of his home on Winchester Street (near 700 West) was converted to a bike lane following an intersection renovation completed Sept. 24.
Despain told the council he had parked in that spot for about 20 years and said he had been asked by a police officer to temporarily move vehicles during the striping work. The next day he found no-parking signs and bike-lane markings where he had previously parked.
"This is a big deal for me because I am hurting for space at my house," Despain said, describing limited personal resources and the practical impact on his household. He said he contacted his council representative, Pam Carter, and a state legislator, Nate Blauen; Despain said his contacts told him jurisdictional responsibility might rest at different levels and that he had received mixed guidance.
Despain said the change has required him to spend time and energy addressing the situation and that he has experienced vandalism while continuing to park in the area during the dispute. He asked for assistance from the city.
No immediate council action was recorded on the item during the Oct. 7 meeting. Council members closed public comment and proceeded to scheduled agenda business.
