Brighton staff propose one-way, right-turn redesign for Creamery lot to reduce backing crashes

City manager Komoca and staff described recurring safety and circulation problems at the downtown 'Creamery' parking lot, where a single entrance forces some drivers to back out into traffic. Komoca proposed reconfiguring the lot during scheduled milling and overlay so drivers would enter from 1st Street and exit onto Center/2nd Street, likely as a right-turn-only exit. Staff said the change would require engineering review for sight distance and safety and might remove one or two parking spaces or require tree removal but could also be designed to recapture spaces and improve pedestrian circulation.

Director Gatch and DPW staff recommended coordinating the redesign with planned pavement maintenance (milling and overlay) so curb changes can be completed at the same time. The staff presentation noted existing hydrant and no-parking zones that affect sight lines and suggested yellow curbing, better signage and directing drivers to other municipal lots as part of the solution.

Council members generally voiced support for exploring a pull-through, one-way design or a smaller test 'turnaround' painted spot. Concerns included cost, potential loss of on-street parking, sight-distance safety near a hydrant, and temporary parking losses tied to nearby building demolition. Staff said they would return with engineered options, cost estimates and a recommended implementation schedule synchronized with pavement work.

No final design was approved; council asked staff to provide engineered alternatives, traffic-safety analysis and an estimate of budget impact before any construction.