Board orders removal of loading-zone sign, curb repainting and denies one-side parking request on Superior Street

The Michigan City Board of Public Works and Safety on Oct. 6 moved to remove an existing loading-zone sign, repaint curb markings to standardize the 40-foot no‑parking approach at the Franklin Street intersection, and deny a petition to allow parking on only one side of Superior Street.

The request originated from a resident who asked the board to convert parking to one side only to address congestion. City staff, including police and the city engineer, reported that curb painting and consistent enforcement are the appropriate first steps. Commander Jesse said enforcement of painted curbs is required to make the change effective, and city engineering noted that some curbs on adjacent streets already had inconsistent paint and signage.

Board members voted to remove the loading-zone sign (on the basis that the commercial tenant no longer occupied the property), order repainting of both north and south curbs to ensure consistent 40-foot clearances from the intersection, and deny the petition to convert the street to one-side parking. Public commenters supported consistent painting and enforcement rather than piecemeal one-side restrictions. The motion passed unanimously.

Street department and police staff were directed to repaint curbs and coordinate enforcement, and to remove the loading-zone sign; if a property owner or business later seeks a loading zone the city said that party must request it formally.