Streetscape work shifts into 300–400 blocks; parking and access rearranged in downtown Denison

Construction on Denison’s downtown streetscape is moving into additional blocks this summer, staff reported, prompting temporary closures, shifting parking patterns and requests that customers use alternative lots while work proceeds.

City staff described a phased schedule in which crews will move out of the 300 block around Aug. 4 and begin work in the 400 block beginning roughly July 7; for about a month both blocks will have active work and some closures. Staff said the block adjacent to the park will be closed into September while work continues next to the park area.

Board members and staff told attendees that construction will push on-street parking into nearby blocks and that staff and business owners have issued repeated communications explaining alternatives and advising customers to use municipal lots. The board reported that private lot owners adjacent to construction (referred to in the meeting as Emily’s lot) will post signs and reserve private spaces for customers; staff said private-lot owners intended to tow noncustomer cars from their private property and had already begun placing signage.

Members discussed mitigation steps including customer-oriented signage, encouraging employees to park away from customer spaces, and using city-owned lots on adjacent blocks. Staff also suggested longer-term parking-management technologies (camera/space-detection systems tied to enforcement) as a potential investment to monitor usage during construction.

No formal enforcement actions were recorded at the meeting; staff emphasized repeated, friendly outreach and signage to inform the public about alternatives and asked downtown visitors to observe posted private-lot restrictions while construction is active.

The board urged continued communication with businesses and the public as work moves through high-traffic blocks.