West Bend traffic panel declines to establish permanent bus-only loading zone at Holy Angels

The West Bend Traffic Safety Commission voted 3-1 on April 28 to retain existing parking rules on Eighth Avenue and not to install permanent bus-only loading-zone signage in front of Holy Angels School.

The commission’s engineers had proposed a west-side bus loading zone sized for up to three buses and extending no‑parking on the opposite side during school hours so two‑way traffic could be maintained. Kevin Waner, a consultant with KL Engineering, told the commission the street is 35 feet wide and that with parked cars and a bus the remaining through lanes would be “about 9 feet per direction,” which “is just not up to standards.” He recommended removing opposite-side parking when buses are staged and extending no‑parking buffers at the ends of the loading zone.

John Butchlick, speaking for Holy Angels, said buses typically drop off in front of the school and that the request came after the bus depot asked the school to reserve space so buses could “come in, drop off, and go.” But Butchlick also said field trips with three buses are rare and that the school could manage with two buses for daily drop-off.

Several residents urged the commission not to remove existing two‑hour parking on the east side of Eighth Avenue, saying neighborhood parking is limited. Kevin Langenacker, who lives on the block, described the area as densely built with many duplexes and small lots and said converting the east side to no‑parking outside school hours would “disturb their evenings” and reduce spaces residents and their visitors rely on. Cassandra Langenecker, a long-time block resident, suggested Cedar Street offered more room and said the school could reconfigure drop‑off procedures if needed.

Commissioners and staff discussed alternatives short of signage changes, including continued use of a portable “buses” sign and enforcement by police. Commission traffic expert Max (city staff) said that while the engineering recommendation was to avoid a loading zone opposite parked cars, the existing situation “does work” in practice and he was “not overly concerned” based on the limited crash data reviewed.

After public comments and back-and-forth with staff, Commissioner Tom moved to retain the current policy and not install permanent bus-loading signage; the motion carried 3–1. The commission directed staff to continue coordinating with the bus company and police on enforcement and temporary signage as needed.

If the school or bus company returns with evidence of repeated conflicts or safety incidents, the commission said it would reconsider engineered changes and formal signage.