Transportation committee approves four additional permit stalls at 200 East lot

The Oshkosh Transportation Committee voted unanimously on May 13 to convert four two-hour spaces in the 200 East parking lot into permit stalls, a change staff said responds to employee parking needs and will be monitored for future adjustment.

Committee members approved converting stalls 20 through 23 from two-hour public spaces to permit stalls after a staff presentation recommending a modest increase rather than the eight spots the business initially requested. The committee recorded aye votes from Armstrong, Merritt, Hartman, Lynch and Martin.

Staff said one business had asked for eight additional permit stalls because leasing of stalls in the lot last year reduced available employee parking. “I’m recommending that we add 4, and then we can … monitor the use,” a staff member said during the meeting. Staff noted some employees currently use permit stalls across Main Street and that permit stalls are enforced from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; after 6 p.m. and on weekends the spaces are unrestricted.

Committee members discussed nearby uses that could affect demand, including a dance studio with evening visitors and a nearby restaurant renovating its private lot. The staff presentation included a map showing current stall assignments and a recommendation that converting four stalls would leave “sufficient parking” for customers.

The committee’s favorable recommendation will be forwarded to the Oshkosh Common Council. The Transportation Committee chair explained that ordinance items require two council readings; the first reading will occur May 27 and the second (when council action is expected) is scheduled for June 10, at which time the public may again comment.

Committee members asked staff to monitor utilization and report back if demand suggests adding more permit stalls.