By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
Despite mixed reaction from a contingent of residents, City of Whitewater officials recently decided to move forward with a plan to implement parking restrictions along portions of East Main Street, so on-street bike lanes can be installed.
In May, the Common Council had a first reading of an ordinance outlining changes to the city’s on-street parking restrictions. At the council’s most recent meeting July 16, aldermen voted unanimously in favor of a second reading of the document.
As written, the document prohibits parking along four areas of East Main Street:
• both sides, from the east curb line of North Cherry Street to the west curb line of North Wakely Street;
• both sides, from the east curb line of North Harris Street to the west curb line of North and South Newcomb Street;
• south side, from the east curb line of North Fonda Street to the west curb line of North Harris Street;
• both sides, from the curb line of North Wakely Street to the west curb line of North Fonda Street.
Discussion of tweaking parking restrictions along East Main Street first surfaced in March when city officials discussed reconstructing portions of the roadway. A series of change orders were made with the contractor for associated work along Milwaukee Street.
As the review process picked up steam, the city sent notices to the 20 property owners living closest to the impacted areas. Residents have attended recent meetings. Some have opposed the loss of parking, while others lauded the city for implementing the bike lanes.
The state of Wisconsin has recommended installing bike lanes as streets are resurfaced, and minimum dimensions for the lanes have been prescribed by officials in Madison.
“The existing street is not wide enough to accommodate a shared parking-bike lane on the north side of East Main Street,” Latisha Birkeland, neighborhood services manager, said, explaining the need for the parking restrictions.
