The Council heard from the Police Chief on February 23 that the effect of the Johnson Road reconstruction project has resulted in a loss of on-street parking near the intersection of Rt. 88. The new curb and side walk on Johnson Road will not leave enough room for on-site parking.
In past years, this part of Johnson Road was used to accommodate approximately 15 cars which presumably were cars associated with the use of the Public Landing. The recent harbor master planning report has indicated a need for additional parking for the Landing and the loss of parking on Johnson Road exacerbates this problem. This issue has been overlooked until recently. The Police Chief and Town Manager are concerned about not having enough parking to support the Public Landing and therefore recommend that the Council support a process to develop a small parking lot on town owned land formerly owned by Marion Brown. While past discussions have focused on parking opportunities toward the rear of this property, we are proposing a much smaller lot (20 to 30 cars) on the front part of the property. Our vision is to locate, landscape and
design a gravel parking lot so that it blends into the property. This could be a temporary solution or, as the Council suggested at the February 23 meeting, a small step to meet the needs of the Public Landing. We believe that the front portion of the property makes the most sense because it would be located on level and developed land resulting in less excavation and site disturbance. This small parking lot could be used for a trial period and may be deemed adequate for the short and possibly long term future. A rough sketch plan of the proposed parking lot is attached.
Finally, Chief Tolan would like the Council to consider an amendment to the Code of Ordinances that would prohibit parking on Johnson Road near the intersection with Rt. 88. If the Council is inclined to support this request, we will develop specific language for an ordinance introduction at the March 23 Council meeting. |
