Council adopts stop‑sign, no‑parking and loading‑zone changes for several streets

Port Washington — The Common Council on May 20 adopted Ordinance 2025‑12, which replaces certain yield signs with stop signs at intersections on East James Drive and East Antwine Drive at Lakeview Drive, establishes a no‑parking zone on South Beach Road, and removes a loading‑zone designation in front of a business at 420 West Whitefish Drive.

City staff told the council the changes are intended to reduce motorist confusion after recent street reconstruction where yield signs were previously used and to improve traffic flow and safety. A city engineer and police department review supported the stop‑sign replacements. Staff also said We Energies (the local electric utility) raised concerns about vehicles parking on South Beach Road because the road’s width interferes with equipment access; staff noted the road is privately owned and past conversations with We Energies had not produced a widening solution.

Council voted to suspend the usual two‑reading requirement and approved the ordinance on a single reading. Alderman Postle moved to suspend the rules; council adopted the suspension by voice vote and then approved the ordinance. The ordinance also establishes new posted no‑parking restrictions as described in the staff memo.

An alderman asked that the city look for ways to create more parking near South Beach Road to serve visitors; staff reiterated prior outreach to We Energies and property owners about widening or other parking solutions. The ordinance will be published and the signs installed per city engineering guidance.