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Committee recommends no-parking zone on east side of Grand Street after residents cite blocked driveways and emergency access problems
Summary
Following resident complaints and photos showing emergency vehicles blocked by parked cars, the Transportation Committee voted to recommend a no-parking zone on the east side of Grand Street from Merritt Avenue to Hudson Street; the measure passed 4-0 and will go to council.
The Transportation Committee voted 4-0 on Oct. 13 to recommend the Common Council prohibit parking on the east side of Grand Street from Merritt Avenue to Hudson Street after residents and staff described blocked driveways, snow-removal problems and at least one instance in which an emergency vehicle could not pass.
Why it matters: Committee members and residents said the narrow two-lane street, adjacent driveways and a nearby group home create regular conflicts and reduce the unobstructed width needed for emergency responders.
Public testimony: Multiple residents said parked cars regularly impede drivers exiting private driveways and create hazards for snowplows and emergency vehicles. “When I took my tape measure out and measured from curb to curb, it is 17 foot 4 from one curb to the other at my driveway,” said Chris Steinke, who submitted a photo showing a fire engine blocked by parked vehicles; he told the committee the typical fire-engine width leaves only about 2 feet of clearance when cars are parked on the street. Other neighbors described repeated incidents of slowed emergency access and plowing difficulties.
Staff analysis and related constraints: Transportation staff acknowledged a previous partial no-parking zone on the east side and that extending the restriction would reduce available on-street spaces for some households. The city’s fire marshal said emergency vehicles can operate on the street but noted the narrowness; staff also noted a nearby group home that sees regular emergency visits.
Vote and next steps: A motion to prohibit parking along the entire east side from Merritt to Hudson passed 4-0 (Armstrong, Merrick, Hartman, Martin — all voting aye). The committee will forward the recommendation to the Common Council; staff told residents the item will appear on the Oct. 25 council agenda and that residents may speak at that meeting.
Implementation note: If council approves, signs will be installed and the municipal code updated to reflect the extended no-parking zone.
