Staff recommends permanent no-parking zone on Highland Road in front of Morning Star Lutheran Church and School

The Village of Jackson Board of Public Works voted March 25 to recommend that the Village Board adopt a permanent no-parking zone on Highland Road in front of Morning Star Lutheran Church and School.

Staff said the temporary no-parking was put in place after a traffic study and that making it permanent improves sight lines at the crosswalk used by students and pedestrians. The recommendation includes an extension west of the existing hydrant by about 10 feet; staff estimated the total length of the no-parking zone to be roughly 200–250 feet.

The chief of police explained the safety concern: “The pedestrians crossing the crosswalk couldn't see the oncoming traffic,” and said parked cars were the main visibility problem.

Board member Heckendorf moved to recommend approval of the no-parking zone and an amendment to Chapter 42, Article 4, Section 42-82 to reflect the change; Mitchell seconded. The Board approved the recommendation by voice vote and directed staff to forward the ordinance amendment to the Village Board for codification.

Staff noted the change would not affect the school's drive-through drop-off loop; parents drop off children inside the parking lot and the change primarily addresses neighborhood pedestrians crossing Highland Road. Board members recommended the restriction be year-round to address both school and Sunday church parking.

The Board carried the recommendation by voice vote and will present the ordinance amendment to the Village Board for final action.