Wauwatosa committee approves multiple parking changes and moves to codify 25 mph zone on Ludington

The Wauwatosa Transportation Affairs Committee on May 13 approved five transportation actions, including 90-day trials of short-term parking restrictions at two addresses, permanent no-parking on the east side of 60th Street after a trial, adjustments to parking near Wauwatosa West/Whitman/Eisenhower to help school pickup and drop-off, and a directive for staff to prepare an ordinance to adopt a 25 mph posted speed limit on Ludington Avenue between Milwaukee and North avenues.

Committee members said the changes are intended to improve safety and turnover for residents, students and nearby businesses. Mike May, of the city engineering division, described the proposals and staff findings for each item during the meeting and answered questions from aldermen and residents.

The first measure authorized a 90-day trial of a 15-minute parking zone on the east side of North 70th Street fronting 2154 N. 70th St. May told the committee the request came from a resident whose relative needs nearer access to a vehicle because the property layout leaves no room for a wheelchair between retaining walls and the driveway. May said a formal accessible parking space would require a 13-foot zone and removal of a terrace and tree, so the 15-minute trial was proposed as a less invasive interim accommodation. Alder Gustafson moved approval and Alder Champine seconded; the committee approved the trial unanimously.

The committee next moved to make permanent a no-parking restriction on the east side of 60th Street from Wisconsin Avenue to the south city limit following a roughly 60-day trial. May said staff received no complaints during the trial and had previously heard public support for the restriction tied to event-related shuttle…