DPW moves Crescent Avenue parking-removal proposal to public hearing to allow sidewalk construction

DPW presented a proposal on Jan. 6 to remove on-street parking along the southeast side of Crescent Avenue from Lewis to Carroll Street so the city can install an 11-foot sidewalk and curb intended to protect above-ground utilities and improve pedestrian safety.

Luis Moss from DPW explained that the northwest side of Crescent has utility poles requiring a wider sidewalk alignment (11 feet), and that retaining parking on both sides would not leave sufficient roadway width. Moss said the southeast side has underutilized private driveways and that removing parking there could create contiguous sidewalks and safer pedestrian zones.

Commissioners agreed the proposal warranted public input and voted to move the item to a public hearing for community review and technical comment. The public hearing will allow staff to present detailed plans, usage counts, and alternatives before the commission makes a final decision.

The motion to move the project to public hearing passed by voice vote; staff said they will return with schematics and additional context at the follow-up meeting.