Board approves eastbound one-way on Pine Street to add parking near veterans center; fire chief’s access concerns shaped debate

The Traffic & Parking board voted to convert Pine Street to an eastbound one-way (from Seabury to Robeson) and to allow parking on both sides of the street, a change intended to create more parking near the veterans center.

The item drew extended public comment. A Veterans Association representative and other residents said the center attracts older veterans who need convenient access; making the street one-way would expand parking capacity and aid service delivery. Opponents said a permanent one-way to accommodate a single building’s busiest hours was unfair to nearby businesses and residents, and that a new housing development (a church conversion with ~40 apartments discussed in the meeting) could later further strain parking.

Stephanie McArthur relayed the fire department’s advice: westbound one-way would interfere with apparatus access, so if a one-way were to be used the recommended direction was eastbound. Board members balanced that public-safety direction with the parking need and discussed alternatives including targeted veteran-only time-limited parking and revisiting the pattern later if problems arose.

After discussion the board made a motion to set Pine Street one-way eastbound with parking on both sides; the motion was seconded and the transcript records the motion passing. Staff said implementation will take approximately 12 weeks for measurements and signage. Board members noted the change can be revisited if conditions worsen after the nearby housing project is occupied.