The Oshkosh Common Council voted Nov. 11 to prohibit on-street parking along a narrow block of Grand Street, after multiple residents described blocked driveways, restricted snow storage and instances where emergency vehicles could not pass.

Mark Burrow, who told the council he has owned his home on Grand Street for 30 years, said the street is too narrow for parked cars and larger vehicles to pass and that plows, ambulances and fire trucks have trouble accessing the block. "I don't think there should be any parking on the road. It's just not wide enough," Burrow said.

Chris Steinke presented a video and urged the council to consider liability risks if emergency crews could not reach a home. "If fire code for the state says 20 feet unobstructed clearance ... and our street is 17 feet 4 inches wide curve to curve, why is it allowed?" Steinke asked. Other residents described hardships tied to personal property layouts and snow storage constraints.

Council members repeatedly framed the issue as a public-safety decision. Mayor (name not specified) and several colleagues said emergency access takes precedence over individual convenience; Council Member (speaker 5) urged staff to pursue private-side remedies for the affected homeowner. Public works and community-development staff were asked to examine options such as driveway or variance solutions while the no-parking restriction is implemented.

The council adopted resolution 25-5-75 to make the section no parking, noting the Transportation Committee recommended the change. The action passed on a roll call vote.

Next steps: staff were directed to work with the homeowner at 548 Grand (and other affected residents) to explore private options—variances, driveway modifications or potential buyouts—while the city implements the no-parking designation.