Lafayette parking remains same for now

MARENGO — An ordinance that would restrict parking on Lafayette Avenue is on hold after Compass Memorial Healthcare rescinded its request that parking not be allowed on the street during its construction project.

The hospital is expected to renew the request in some form as construction progresses.

“It would be uncomfortable for people who live on that street,” said Jim Peterson, who lives on Lafayette. Peterson spoke during a public hearing for the first reading of the ordinance Feb. 14.

Peterson would like residents to be able to park on Lafayette even if parking is restricted, he said.

Peterson has two vehicles and keeps one in the driveway and one on the street. Another resident keeps a trailer for his business in the street.

The American Legion Hall isn’t there any more, said Peterson, so why can the hospital get rid of the sidewalk and widen the street to accommodate construction vehicles?

Marengo Mayor Adam Rabe asked Peterson if buses or ambulances have trouble getting down the street when cars are parked there. Peterson said he never saw anyone having trouble getting through, even during Legion Bingo nights.

Peterson said hospital staff parks along the street instead of in the hospital lot.

The amended ordinance proposed prohibiting parking on the east side of Lafayette Avenue rather than prohibiting parking on both sides of the street. Peterson said that would work for him.

The council took no action on the ordinance. There’s no point moving forward until the hospital decides exactly what it wants to request, said Councilmember Jenni Olson.