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Council approves amended no‑parking plan and temporary enforcement to protect student drop‑off near new apartment
Summary
Following a public comment from a nearby developer and a school superintendent, the council approved immediate coordination to keep construction vehicles clear of a private drive and authorized implementing west‑side no‑parking signage during school hours next summer (motion carried; one member opposed).
At public forum Sonia Thompson, a representative of 504 Ventures and a nearby resident, raised safety concerns about construction vehicle parking and student drop-off near the new apartment project at 16th Street and Fifth Avenue Northeast. The school superintendent joined the discussion and described on-site coordination that produced three recommendations: maintain current parking for contractors where feasible, have the superintendent enforce a temporary no‑parking zone near the construction entrance during school hours, and implement a permanent west‑side no‑parking school‑hours zone once the building is occupied.
Council members and planning staff discussed the planning commission’s recommendation (no‑parking 7:30–3:30 on Fifth Avenue) and operational constraints including bus turning radius and contractor staging. The superintendent said closure of the west side best preserves bus maneuverability and safe crossing paths for students; staff noted contractors could use part of the elementary lot for staging during construction.
Council approved a motion to adopt the amended recommendation: immediate coordination and enforcement during construction and signage implementing a west‑side no‑parking restriction during school hours starting summer 2026, with a commitment to revisit earlier if the arrangement does not work. The motion carried with one council member recorded as opposed.
Next steps: staff will implement interim enforcement during construction, arrange signage for next summer, and notify residents and stakeholders of the timing and enforcement plan.
