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Request from Senior Traffic Engineer for a 90-day trail to eliminate parking restrictions on the west side of 122nd Street from the alley south of North Avenue to Garfield Avenue, and on the east side of 122nd Street from 100-feet south of North Avenue to Garfield Avenue
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A. Issue
Access to street parking for properties along 122nd Avenue between North Avenue and Garfield Avenue.
B. Background/Options
Parking is currently prohibited on the west side of 122nd Street from the alley south of North Avenue to Garfield Avenue between the hours of eight a.m. and six p.m. except Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays. Parking is currently prohibited on the east side of 122nd Street from North Avenue to 100-feet south of North Avenue; restricted from 100-feet south of North Avenue to 154-feet south of North Avenue with one-hour parking between nine a.m. and six p.m. except Sundays and legal holidays; and restricted from 154-feet south of North Avenue to 67-feet north of Garfield Avenue between eight a.m. and six p.m., except Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.
In review of the parking history, it was found that the parking restrictions along the west side of 122nd Street were put in place in 1979 when Fisher Elementary was open. Fisher Elementary closed in 1982. The restrictions on the east side of 122nd Street were put in place in 1984 after the building was changed to a school administration office. Wauwatosa Montessori School opened in the building around 2011. Surface parking for Wauwatosa Montessori School is located on the east side of the building.
Wisconsin State Statute 346.53 prohibits parking where designated by official traffic signs. The statute provides an exception “…temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading or in receiving or discharging passengers and while the vehicle is attended by a licensed operator so that it may promptly be moved in case of an emergency or to avoid obstruction of traffic.” A property owner along 122nd Street currently boards and alights a person who uses a wheelchair, and must leave the vehicle unattended to do so. By leaving the vehicle unattended, the owner is parking illegally.
After reviewing the history of why parking restrictions were placed along 122nd Street, after observing parking demands on 122nd Street, and to find a solution to allow parking, the following is recommended.
• Initiate a 90-day trail to eliminate parking restrictions on the west side of 122nd Street from the alley south of North Avenue to Garfield Avenue, and on the east side of 122nd Street from 100-feet south of North Avenue to Garfield Avenue.
Staff will observe parking during the trial period. Should the trial inadequately address concerns for on-street parking, staff will return to the Transportation Affairs Committee to modify the trial.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Priority 2: Public Safety, Goal 2 - Proactively address pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular safety.
D. Fiscal Impact
Minor expenses for in-house removal or covering of existing signs where applicable. Existing sign budget will accommodate these expenses.
E. Recommendation
Direct staff to initiate a 90-day trail to eliminate parking restrictions on the west side of 122nd Street from the alley south of North Avenue to Garfield Avenue, and on the east side of 122nd Street from 100-feet south of North Avenue to Garfield Avenue.
Exhibit: Proposed 90-Day Trail along 122nd Avenue
