MONROE - A switch to angled parking won't boost the number of parking spaces downtown.
That's according to The Public Safety Committee, which appears to have run out of options for creating more parking spaces downtown. Charles Koch, committee chairman, said last week the study was conducted at the urging of downtown business owners.
But the committee will take no immediate action. Al Gerber, city engineer department supervisor, informed the committee Oct. 18 that changing to angled parking on side streets just off the Square would not increase the number of parking spaces downtown.
Parking spaces on the Square are angled and those on the side streets are parallel.
"In fact, it could lose a stall," Gerber said of his analysis.
Gerber said his study also shows angled parking would narrow some of the streets to about 18 feet. In response, Fire Chief Daryl Rausch said the Fire Department needs 20-foot lanes for its emergency vehicles.
Gerber recommended that the committee keep the parking spaces as they currently are.
Police Chief Fred Kelley also reminded the committee of a previous report that revealed state statutes prevent the city from positioning parking spaces any closer to the designated mid-block crosswalks.
That's according to The Public Safety Committee, which appears to have run out of options for creating more parking spaces downtown. Charles Koch, committee chairman, said last week the study was conducted at the urging of downtown business owners.
But the committee will take no immediate action. Al Gerber, city engineer department supervisor, informed the committee Oct. 18 that changing to angled parking on side streets just off the Square would not increase the number of parking spaces downtown.
Parking spaces on the Square are angled and those on the side streets are parallel.
"In fact, it could lose a stall," Gerber said of his analysis.
Gerber said his study also shows angled parking would narrow some of the streets to about 18 feet. In response, Fire Chief Daryl Rausch said the Fire Department needs 20-foot lanes for its emergency vehicles.
Gerber recommended that the committee keep the parking spaces as they currently are.
Police Chief Fred Kelley also reminded the committee of a previous report that revealed state statutes prevent the city from positioning parking spaces any closer to the designated mid-block crosswalks.