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Commission moves to recommend removal of nine Loudoun Street parking spaces for fire access; referral to Town Council expected
Summary
Following discussion of blocked access for large emergency vehicles, commissioners moved and seconded a recommendation to remove nine parking spaces on Loudoun Street approaching King Street to improve firetruck access; the change will be forwarded to the Town Council for decision after stakeholder outreach.
The Traffic Commission debated requests to remove on‑street parking on Loudoun Street in the block approaching King Street after staff said blocked curbside parking can prevent fire apparatus from reaching certain locations.
Staff described a configuration where the first row of parking spaces approaches the corner and the narrow lane can prevent a fire truck from passing when cars are parked on both sides. “So that would be a request to the town council, but they would ask for the commission's recommendation,” a staff member said during the discussion.
Commissioners heard objections from those noting retail uses and deliveries on the block, and staff acknowledged loading and unloading needs for businesses. A motion was made on the floor to remove nine parking spaces; the motion was seconded, and commissioners discussed that the recommendation would proceed to town council for final action. Staff noted retail owners have expressed resistance to removing spaces and that the town council will have to weigh safety versus business impacts.
The commission characterized this as a safety‑driven recommendation: “From our standpoint, the safety can prevail,” one commissioner said, but the body did not unilaterally change curb markings at the meeting. Instead, commissioners directed staff to prepare a recommendation and the supporting information to forward to Town Council, which will consider the formal removal and any compensating loading‑zone changes.
Staff also noted alternatives such as restricting parking times or better marking loading zones but said those options may not fully address emergency‑vehicle access without removing spaces near the intersection.
