City to Test One-Way Street by Library

Marshfield, WI (OnFocus) The City is looking to create a temporary one-way street on E. 2nd Street adjacent to the library and Community Center in order to gather public input on parking solutions.

To create more parking in that area, in July the Board of Public Works explored two options for angled parking on the north side of the street that would each form 16 stalls, 7 more than the two-way street currently accommodates. The Board directed City staff to look at ways of laying out parking on a temporary basis.

To simulate a one-way street for two months, the City will use temporary marking tape to form angled parking on the north side of the street. Staff would return to the Board with comments from the public for a final recommendation.

A method for how the public can provide this input will be developed by staff. The survey will ask residents for their opinion on the parking solution and one-way street, plus if they use either of the facilities.

“If you use the facility, that makes a lot of sense, but if you’re just worried about driving through, that’s not a true answer to our problem,” said Alderman Mike Feirer. “If you’re just against one-way streets, you can pack that away right now, it’s gone.”

Parallel parking would be unavailable during this period since the space isn’t big enough to accommodate it. One of the proposed renderings from last meeting included parallel parking since the curb and gutter would be removed.

Board member Ken Bargender spoke in favor of angled parking for safety reasons for senior citizens. “I think the space, where the parallel parking currently is, is going to be needed for maneuvering the cars and vehicles, vans, whatever it may be, especially when we get to the larger vans from assisted living centers,” he said.

The board asked about available parking in the back lot of the library. While there is space, that lot fills up when activities are happening, said Library Director Lori Belongia.

A motion to approve the trial period passed and will move forward for final approval from the Common Council.

Public Works Debates One-Way Street by Community Center