Business parking added to downtown Monroe

After waiving the third reading, a business parking zone in downtown Monroe was approved by the city council Jan. 11. The zone will be located along the east side of North Commerce Street from American Street to Marion Street.

The issue of parking near downtown businesses came up earlier this year after parking spots in front of businesses were being taken up by residents of a nearby apartment building. With additional businesses being added to the area, many of which will require space for customer parking, the council wanted to be sure spots would be available.

Making sure the residents of the apartment building also have designated spaces is a priority for the council.

“I think we said they are designated on the north side of the apartment complex,” councilman Sean Wilson said.

Councilwoman Andrea Steenhoek agreed there should be signage to specify the spaces for those who reside in the apartment building. She also brought up an idea for snow situations and the on street parking.

“Given that we have that trail head and it isn’t going to be used a lot in winter, if we can plow that out and give those residents that park in front of the building, so we don’t have to hear any qualms about how they go plowed in, give them a certain amount of time to get their cars moved to the parking lot and walk back to their apartment, I think we should give them that option,” Steenhoek said.

The idea received unanimous approval from council and city staff. The trail head parking is only to be used during snow events and not as extra parking during the warmer months when it will be open for the Red Rock Prairie Trail.

“I think it is a nice opportunity for them to not have to shovel their car,” Steenhoek said.

City staff will work to implement the plan with those at the apartment.

“I love the idea, excellent. And once they get the street plowed they can move their car back,” mayor Doug Duinink said.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com