This map shows the angle parking along Lake Street, south of Market Street. The width of these spaces is 10 feet and the length is 10 feet. Legal parking spaces must be 18 feet by 10 feet or 20 feet by 9 feet. The southern most parking space will be eliminated and the line lengthened to the legal requirements.
Parking along the west side of Lake Street, south of Market Street, will slightly change when the weather breaks.
Numerous suggestions and ideas were discussed before the City of Warsaw Traffic Safety Commission approved to remove the southern most parking spaces, next to the egress of Mutual Bank’s parking lot, on Lake Street. These five spots are unrestricted parking. The length of the parking lines will also be extended, providing more of an idea of the travel lane location.
Discussion began in November when email complaints from Mutual Bank employees and some customers were shared. View obstructions from parked vehicles were primary concerns since that area became unrestricted parking locations. The matter was tabled until measurements of the parking spots could be obtained.
It was discovered while the widths of the spaces are the required 10 feet, the lengths are only 10 feet. The standard requirement is 18 feet for a 180 square foot parking space. It was also found the lines could be extended 8 feet, with 13.5 feet of road space for traffic.
Discussion included changing it to parallel parking which would reduce the number of spaces and removing the northern most space, which is handicapped to replace removal of a space. However, concern in eliminating parking in the downtown area was voiced along with if removal of the handicapped spot would violate city code on the number of handicapped spots being provided.
Mayor Joe Thallemer stated there was a lot of discussion when city officials were going through parking revisions. He stated angle parking is less than ideal, but works in an area where traffic is slower. It also provides more volume parking. “It’s done a good job pushing employees (of downtown businesses) from the core area. I’d hate to reduce parking,” he stated.
Cindy Dobbins, commission member, noted this area has freed up downtown parking and is being used more often.
The commission also discussed if there was a possible resolution to mapping systems still showing Market Street as SR 15 which many semis are following. Lt. Kip Shuter, Warsaw Police Department and chair of the commission, stated he will contact Indiana Department of Transportation to see if mapping systems could be changed. He will also investigate if state officials could add additional signage marking the route. Shuter and Jeff Beeler, street superintendent, will look at signage within the town.
The meeting also included members taking the oath of office. Members present included Joel Beam, Dobbins, Mike Klondaris, Shuter and Steve Foster. Foster was also re-elected recording secretary.
The next regular meeting of the commission is 1 p.m. Feb. 4.
Taking the oath of office are Warsaw Traffic Commission members Lt. Kip Shuter, Steve Foster, Cindy Dobbins, Mike Klondaris and Joel Beam. (Photo by Deb Pattereson)