Council refers request for autism-related caution sign and one-side parking study after resident appeal

The LaSalle City Council voted to send a resident’s request for an autism-related caution sign and a one-side parking review to the Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee for study and neighbor input. Resident Joseph Thompson, who lives at 427 Fifth Street, told the council his son was diagnosed with autism on April 30 and said he and his family are concerned about traffic speeds and limited sight lines on their street. “My son has just been diagnosed April 30 with autism. He’s not very aware of his surroundings,” Thompson said when asking whether the city could place a caution sign in front of the house or otherwise improve safety. Councilors asked whether a sign would change the speed limit (it would not) and discussed alternatives including police patrols and parking restrictions. Aldermen approved a motion to refer the request to the Streets and Alleys and Traffic Committee and asked staff to send letters to neighbors informing them that the block will be discussed at the committee meeting. The council suggested the petitioner attend the committee meeting and invite neighbors to provide feedback. Discussion vs. decision: The formal decision was a referral for study and community input; no new signage or parking restriction was adopted at the meeting. Councilors also advised the petitioner about existing enforcement options and encouraged neighbor-level outreach prior to the committee hearing. Details: Council and staff noted the street width is under 30 feet and constrained parking might be a factor; staff said two signs (one each direction) would be required if the council chose to post a caution sign. The Streets and Alleys and Traffic Committee will review options and report back at the next meeting two weeks later; neighbors on the block will receive mailed notice about the scheduled discussion.