Wauwatosa committee delays Portland Avenue parking prohibition after residents urge alternatives

The Wauwatosa Public Works/Transportation Committee on a recommendation from staff held discussion of proposed ordinance changes that would have prohibited parking at spots on Portland Avenue, Ridley and Kavanaugh, and agreed to bring the issue back for further review.

The recommendation to hold the item came after residents and staff described competing problems: a short driveway and limited mobility needs at 8121 Portland Avenue, and recurring short-term congestion associated with school and commuter parking on the block. "I'm here on behalf of the property owner of 8121 Portland," said Tim Blessing Cowling, who described a short driveway and a neighbor with limited mobility and said a permanent 24/7 parking prohibition would unduly limit visitors. "I'm here to formally object on behalf of my friend to any restriction on the parking in front of her house because I don't think it really solves the problem."

The committee heard a differing view from a nearby homeowner calling in by Zoom, identified in the record as Aaron Cap, who said parking on both sides of Portland Avenue makes the block difficult for emergency vehicles and delivery trucks to pass. "I believe we need to prohibit parking on 1 side of Portland Avenue West of Glenview," Cap said, adding that if on-street restrictions are relaxed elsewhere in the neighborhood, that could spread demand and reduce concentrated parking near the school.

Staff member Mr. May told the committee the item had been brought forward for ordinance changes but that after conversations with neighbors it made sense to pause and pursue additional engineering work and neighborhood conversation. "If it's alright with the committee, I'd actually recommend that we still have the discussion for whoever is here and may have some comments, but that we hold this and can bring it back to a future meeting," May said.

Residents described specifics they want addressed if the city proceeds: the two-hour parking restriction currently on the south side of Portland, unrestricted parking on the north side, early-morning commuter parking tied to Wilson School, and repeated damage to turf and sidewalks where trucks enter an alley. Several speakers said the worst effects are concentrated in short windows — about 10 minutes on Friday mornings — but a full-day, year-round restriction would be permanent.

Committee members directed staff to continue discussions with residents and engineering staff and to return with additional options rather than adopting an immediate ordinance change. No vote was recorded on an ordinance; the committee agreed to hold the item for further study.

The committee noted related blocks — including Ridley and Kavanaugh — may have similar issues and encouraged neighbors to meet with staff to identify trial options and placement of signs. Staff said they would coordinate additional site-specific measures and follow up with residents and the committee on next steps.