Special residential parking issue visited

[MARCH 9, 2004]  The city received a request to install a handicapped parking sign in front of a private residence at 806 Sixth St. The occupant uses a wheelchair, and the only access to the home is from the front. While the residence is the only house on the block, the parking space in front is often occupied by personnel or visitors to the school nearby.

The Rev. Glenn Shelton said that they discussed this in committee and felt that since it is the only house on the block and there is a special need, the committee was recommending the sign be posted.

Before discussing it further, Mayor Beth Davis requested that Streets Superintendent Tracy Jackson share a call that he received.

Jackson said that he had received another request for a handicapped parking sign at a residence. There was concern raised that this would start happening all over town.

Shelton said, "I think the concern is valid, but I think we take them one at a time."

Alderman Benny Huskins recalled several examples of similar requests for signs and ramps that have been made in recent history and then said, "As you know, businesses move, residents move. When you make this a handicapped, it is a handicapped forever."

Mayor Davis suggested that perhaps the decision could be granted contingent on the occupancy of the person needing the sign.

Bill Bates said that he would check further into the city law, but an ordinance is probably needed to post such a sign, and once the ordinance is made it stays that way until a new ordinance is written.

Huskins pointed out that ordinances are costly, with attorney and secretary fees. The ordinances take time and money each time they are changed.

Bates, the city attorney, suggested an alternative. He said you could give the streets department permission without an ordinance to erect a sign at that location and then take it down when it is no longer needed. However, if the occupants called to say that someone was parked in that space, the restriction would not be legally enforceable. The police could not go out and issue a citation to anyone parking there.

Alderman Verl Prather suggested that an attempt be made to work with the school to protect that parking space instead of using signs.

Superintendent Jackson will attempt to resolve the parking issue with the school.

The petition was unanimously tabled till a later date.

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