Buchanan approves temporary no‑parking order on Theod and Charles courts amid safety concerns

The Buchanan City Commission on July 14 approved Traffic Control Order No. 258, a temporary measure prohibiting on‑street parking on Theod Court and Charles Court for the duration of a nearby construction project, after staff and public commenters cited safety and emergency‑access concerns.

Staff said the streets are narrow and drivers have been using Theod Court as a cut‑through around the official detour, increasing traffic at a location that already allows limited two‑way movement. "With all that traffic on there, it's really just a public safety issue," a staff presenter said.

Multiple residents who spoke during public comment said they were not consulted and lacked clear notice that the restriction was temporary. One resident told the commission, "We were never consulted beforehand ... We were not given enough notification," and asked the city to consider the needs of households that rely on on‑street parking during events and visits.

Commissioners expressed frustration about inconsistent enforcement of existing no‑parking signage and asked the police department to commit to enforcement as part of the TCO. The chief of police was asked to increase patrols and enforcement in the affected area; commissioners stressed they did not want to enact a rule that would not be enforced.

The motion to approve TCO No. 258 passed by roll call. Staff said the order is temporary and will be lifted when construction traffic pressure subsides; the city will also coordinate communication to affected residents and commit to enforcement while the order is in effect.

Next steps: the police department will prioritize enforcement in the corridor, and city staff will follow up with residents to clarify timelines and notification procedures.