Committee recommends handicap parking space near 832 Ninth Street after resident request

The Streets, Alley and Traffic Committee voted to recommend that the City Council install a handicap parking space at or adjacent to 832 Ninth Street after a resident described mobility challenges for himself and his wife.

The recommendation followed public comment from a resident who said both he and his wife are disabled and rely on the city transit service to reach medical appointments and groceries. He said winter conditions and his limited mobility make boarding difficult without a nearby designated space.

Committee members discussed alternatives, including a bus-stop-style no-parking zone and a resident-only parking designation, before settling on a handicap space located “right in front of your house, right in front of that sidewalk,” as Alderman Jepsen put it. Jepsen argued placing the sign adjacent to the sidewalk would give the resident a consistent, paved surface from door to curb in poor weather.

Alderman LaViere voiced opposition to the proposed sign location and said she wanted to “do something different” for the block; she voted against the motion. Other committee members said NCAT’s (the local transit provider) pickups typically serve residents traveling to medical appointments and supported the accommodation.

Motion and vote: The committee moved and seconded a recommendation that the council install a handicap parking space at the location requested by the resident. Roll call recorded Alderman Reynolds — Aye; Alderman LaViere — Nay; Alderman Jepsen — Aye; Alderman Herndon — Aye; Alderman Crane — Aye; Chairman Bassettor — Aye. The motion carried and will be forwarded to the City Council for final action.

The committee did not specify an implementation date or which department will install the sign; the recommendation will go to the council for final approval and scheduling.