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Washington Evening Journal
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Washington, IA 52353
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Washington considers parking rules at Stewart
The Washington City Council completed the first reading of a proposed change to city code last week, which would establish a no parking zone around Stewart elementary at certain hours.
“We just have a lot of complaints from citizens and others on the congestion, particularly pickup and drop-off times,” said Police Chief Jim Lester, who drafted the amendment after consulting school officials. “The after-school traffic is handled pretty well with everybody coming from one direction, however we do have some on the south side of the school on Seventh where we have some issues.”
The proposed ordinance change would cut off parking from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on school days in the following areas, according to a memo given to council members:
- East side of North Avenue between East Sixth Street and Stewart’s pickup/drop-off driveway
- North side of East Seventh Street, 40 feet east and west of the intersection with North Third Avenue.
- South side of East Seventh Street between North Second Avenue. and Fourth Avenue.
- West side of North Third Avenue between East Sixth and Seventh streets.
- South side of East Ninth Street between North Fourth and North Fifth avenues.
While any change to the city code requires three readings at council meetings, city officials did not expect the move to be controversial.
“If there were any specific concerns, we also have time to go through the second and third readings to make adjustments if they were needed,” Mayor Jaron Rosien said. “I do give the benefit of the doubt to the time Chief Lester spent putting these together.”
Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com
Para Educator Ashley Crull helps unload a van at Stewart Elementary’s drop-off area before school. (Kalen McCain/the Union)
