Commission approves parking changes on Ninth and Tenth Streets; neighbors raised notice concerns

The Manhattan City Commission on May 6 approved a staff recommendation to change on‑street parking designations on Ninth and Tenth Streets adjacent to a school and neighborhood, voting 5‑0 to adopt the plan as revised after neighborhood meetings.

Commissioners, neighbors and staff reviewed a series of notification steps and a neighborhood meeting the week prior that produced a revised recommendation. Staff member Brian (last name on file with city) described that an earlier mailed letter had shown a smaller zone and subsequent neighborhood feedback led to a different proposed layout. Brian said the neighborhood meeting drew “about 12 to 15” attendees and the version recommended by the neighborhood—no parking on one side of Ninth and parking on both sides of Pierre to Houston on Ninth—was the basis for staff's recommendation.

Neighbors told commissioners they were surprised to find signage posted earlier than expected and that varying versions of the mailed letter and the later neighborhood meeting had caused confusion. Commissioner discussion emphasized that signs can be moved and that staff would revisit the parking plan in 60 to 90 days to reassess if neighborhood concerns persist or if school angled parking adjustments require further changes. A motion to approve item E‑1 as presented passed on roll call: Commissioners Adamczyk, Opelt, Mota, Mitten and Mayor McCullough — yes.

Staff said construction and related work on Walters Drive and other street projects were scheduled to start after school ends and that the city will continue outreach to affected residents.