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Council approves one-sided parking restriction on 7th Street after debate over timing and garden access
Summary
The council adopted a resolution restricting parking on 7th Street SE (amended to one side) to protect bus and ambulance access near the UCAP development; members debated whether to delay the restriction until after the garden season or restrict only one side.
City planning staff presented a recommendation to restrict parking on 7th Street SE from Wilmer Avenue to 19th Avenue to keep the corridor clear for a planned bus/ambulance barn and UCAP development. Staff said the restriction is a proactive measure tied to the upcoming UCAP openings.
Councilmember Audrey and others questioned the timing and immediate need for a full no‑parking order, noting an active community garden and current parking patterns. Staff said the garden is expected to be relocated and that restrictions could be scheduled to begin after the growing season if the council preferred.
Councilmember Justin moved an amendment to limit the restriction to one side (east or west depending on roll), arguing that one‑side parking would preserve community use while allowing emergency and bus access. Engineering staff clarified that a 32‑foot minimum street width is a state-aid standard referenced for parking and emergency access; the staff member noted local streets sometimes deviate from that standard.
The council voted to approve the amendment limiting the restriction to one side; the amended resolution then passed by roll call. Council directed staff to implement the restriction consistent with the amendment and to consider timing or further adjustments if the garden or UCAP timeline changed.
The resolution modifies parking rules on 7th Street SE; specifics of enforcement timing and signage were left to staff to implement.
