Marshfield, WI (OnFocus) The Common Council has given its stamp of approval to test a one-way street on E. 2nd St for one block by the community center and public library. This would be an extension of the one-way corridor that exists from Central Ave. to Maple Ave.
The item was discussed by the Board of Public Works in July and August to address parking needs for those facilities, particularly for elderly citizens who requested more handicap parking. The City will use temporary marking tape to form angled parking on the north side of the street for two months or until snow falls and observe the results before making any permanent commitment.
The item was pulled off the consent agenda by Alderman Tom Witzel, who moved to discard the idea due to the inconvenience to drivers who come from the south to access the library and would be forced to take a different route. The motion failed due to lack of second.
During discussions, Witzel expressed his preference for simply marking the parking spaces on the street instead of creating the one-way street, also saying that traveling on S. Cedar Ave. and turning on E. 2nd Street will no longer be possible.
Library Director Lori Belongia stated that library parking is also available the back off of S. Cedar Ave. Alderman Mike Feirer said the route issue for drivers coming from the south is resolved by turning off Cedar Ave. onto E. 3rd Street., which takes them to S. Maple. Ave.
In favor of the one-way solution, he stated that the parking lots are full around the middle of the day and that closer parking is needed for the elderly who cannot walk far. The problem will only increase since activities at the community center are becoming more popular.
“We have to at least try,” he said.
Alderman Rebecca Spiros stated she had received phone calls from the elderly expressing concern about not having enough handicap parking available.
The item passed 8-1 with Alderman Witzel voting no and Alderman Jason Zaleski absent.
Author: News Desk
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