Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Downtown Parking topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners flag truck blockage, parking and wayfinding issues for downtown plan
Summary
Planners raised concerns that large trucks block traffic at Second Street and Naches Ave and discussed potential fixes including a blinking yellow light, larger wayfinding signs, and added parking from the Depot demolition; engineers said trees were not included in parking repairs but could be added later.
During the Sept. 3 meeting commissioners focused much of their feedback on vehicular access, on-street circulation and parking near downtown.
"Large trucks block the flow of traffic - especially at the intersection of Second Street and Naches Ave," Commissioner Schneider told the panel, describing a recurring operational problem. Commissioner Barnett suggested installing a blinking yellow light to calm traffic, and Commissioner Ranger asked that larger wayfinding signs be considered to help motorists find downtown parking and businesses. Commissioner Harris said she supports efforts to bring traffic into downtown.
Michael Ullman, the town’s contracted engineer, said the warehouse building at the Depot is scheduled for demolition and "when completed will provide six more parking stalls and two ADA accessible stalls." Commissioners also asked whether trees would be included in parking repairs; Ullman said trees were not completed as part of that project and Administrator Treesa Morales said they "could always be added later." No formal mitigation plan was adopted at the meeting; staff and consultants were asked to collect suggestions for the project's design phase.
The discussion highlighted operational constraints (truck movements and curbside space) and near-term opportunities (new stalls from demolition) that will inform design options moving forward.
