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Business owners urge council to keep Monroe Street open as city says closure work is limited to design approval
Summary
Business owners warned a proposed Monroe Street closure and suggested conversion of downtown parking to green space could harm customer access; LEAP said only a temporary closure and a design submission to the state are approved and staff will meet merchants for further input.
The La Porte City Council spent much of its public-comment period Tuesday hearing objections from downtown business owners worried about a proposed Monroe Street closure and long-term changes to a central parking lot.
"Keep Monroe Street open, stop the impending closure of our downtown parking, and protect our consumer lifeblood," said Teresa Caldwell, who identified herself as owner of Mama T's Diner at 607 Lincoln Way. Caldwell told the council renderings and a potential future demolition of the parking lot would displace customers and could bankrupt small merchants if parking and short-term access are not maintained.
Council members and staff said the current step is limited. "The only thing that's been approved with the Monroe Street project or development is the closure of Monroe Street through the traffic commission approval and the Board of Works approval," said Mike Scribe of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership, who briefed the council. He added the project still needs state approval of the design and that consultant renderings shown publicly are not final.
Business owners and residents pressed details on deliveries and handicapped access. Dean White, who said he operates a restaurant that depends on Monroe for deliveries, warned that removal of a 15-minute pickup space would disrupt his business. Rick Ogle, a nearby resident, asked how large delivery trucks would load and exit if curb space is removed.
Scribe and staff said the submitted design includes designated delivery zones at each end of Monroe Street, and that access to two downtown parking lots would remain via State Street. He said LEAP and city staff plan further meetings with business owners and that the project aims to enhance downtown walkability and activity rather than remove parking outright.
The council did not vote on a permanent closure. Officials said a temporary closure can be approved by the Board of Works, but any permanent street vacation would require a council ordinance and later approvals. Council members encouraged merchants to attend traffic-commission and LEAP-led sessions planned for more detailed discussion.
