Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Department of Public Works

Traffic Engineering Division

TO:	David Cronin, City Engineer
FROM:	David Woosley, Transportation/Traffic Engineer
Date:	March 24, 2014
RE:	Harvard Road - No Parking

Background

On December 2, 2013, the Traffic Safety Commission (TSC) heard a request to establish NO PARKING along the south side of Harvard Road west of Centennial Drive. Harvard Road is classified as a “collector” street in a residential area and is paved approximately 26 feet wide. Parking is currently prohibited for 50 feet west of Centennial Drive along the south side of the street and along the north side of the street. Police Department records do not show any reported crashes involving a northbound and eastbound vehicle during the past three (3) years.

At the TSC meeting, two (2) members of the public addressed the Commission, one (1)  in support of the request (the individual that made the request)  and one (1) in opposition to the request (the adjacent property owner at 2401 Harvard). It was noted that there is vegetation on the corner that contributes to a sight restriction and removing parking would inconvenience some residents and may increase speeding; however, you do have to creep into the intersection to see traffic approaching from the west and removing parking would greatly increase the line of sight. The Commission tabled the item to see if removal of vegetation would help the situation.

Traffic Safety Commission Action

This item was heard again by the Commission at its March 3, 2014 meeting. The agenda was sent to the individual that made the original request and the adjacent property owner at 2401 Harvard during the week prior to the meeting. No members of the public addressed the Commission on the item, however, it was noted that the first parking space west of the existing No Parking Zone restricted sight distance more that the existing vegetation. A motion to recommend establishing NO PARKING along the south side of Harvard Road from Centennial Drive west to the first driveway carried, 8-0.

It should be noted that everyone that contacts the TSC or staff about an item is advised when that item is scheduled for the City Commission.

Action Request

It is recommended that the City Commission concur with the recommendation of the Traffic Safety Commission to establish NO PARKING along the south side of Harvard Road from Centennial Drive, west 100 feet.