Martinsville City board tables proposal to change parking patterns after police cite safety concerns

The Martinsville City Board of Works and Public Safety on April 13 postponed action on a proposal to change parking patterns and introduce one-way traffic on several narrow streets, after Police Chief Manley described potential impacts to emergency response and residents.

Chief Manley told the board staff had reviewed specific blocks and recommended one-side parking and one-way options on West Harrison Street (Main to Park), West Pike Street (Main to Park Avenue), East Pike Street (Main to 5th), 5th Street, East Walnut (Main to Home Avenue), East Jackson (Main to 2nd) and the 600 block of East Washington because of narrow widths and safety risks. "We take this seriously," Chief Manley said, arguing the measures would improve response access while trying to preserve residential parking.

Board members pressed staff on enforceability, asking whether signs would be sufficient and how long the city would allow a grace period before citations. Staff said the city already has signs ordered and recommended an outreach plan — including radio notices and messages with water bills — to alert residents before changes take effect.

Several members said many blocks are under 24 feet wide and that removing parking entirely would create hardships where homes lack driveways. Mayor Costin summarized the board’s approach: "We're not doing this to make hardships from anybody. We're looking at what is the safest and best way." Members asked staff for a map showing the exact streets and blocks that would be affected.

A motion to table the proposal until the board’s first meeting in May passed by voice vote to allow time for public notice, mapping and further review. The board instructed staff to solicit public feedback in the interim and return with a recommendation.

The decision leaves the city’s current parking configuration in place until the board reconsiders the matter in May.