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Homewood committee opts to pilot 'compact cars only' signage rather than permanently remove Patriot Park parking spaces
Summary
After discussion about crosswalk visibility and tradeoffs with parking loss, the committee approved a pilot to mark two end parking stalls near the Patriot Park crosswalk as 'compact cars only' (paint and signage) and to evaluate safety effects before any permanent removal.
Homewood committee members on Sept. 8 discussed a staff recommendation to remove two parking stalls nearest the Patriot Park crosswalk to improve pedestrian visibility. After an extended discussion about tradeoffs — including the difficulty of measuring the safety benefit of removing spaces and concerns about diverting traffic into residential streets — members agreed to pilot signage and pavement markings instead of immediate removal.
Staff noted the two stalls in question are the end stalls closest to the crosswalk across from a nearby ice cream shop. Committee members said angled parking and other reconfigurations had been discussed previously but could shift traffic patterns and remove a similar number of spaces without guaranteeing improved safety. Councilors emphasized that children using the adjacent playground may run into the street and that retaining parking near the park is valuable to residents.
The committee approved a motion to install signage and paint the two end stalls as “compact cars only,” with staff to monitor whether visibility and crosswalk use improve; council will consider an ordinance if the pilot indicates a ticketing/enforcement regime is needed. Staff will define the exact stalls by map and install signs and pavement markings; the pilot will be reviewed at a later committee meeting.
Ending: Public Works will install pilot signage and pavement markings at the two identified stalls and report back on effectiveness; if enforcement is requested, staff will prepare ordinance language for council consideration.
