Study finds two‑way Monmouth conversion would cost parking; city shifts to traffic‑calming

City staff presented TEC’s updated Monmouth‑Street study and recommended halting plans to fully convert Monmouth to two‑way traffic after recalculated parking losses drew strong concern.

What the study found: TEC’s analysis updated prior estimates and calculated a combined loss of about 94 parking spaces for Monmouth and York if both corridors converted to two‑way traffic. Staff said the number could climb beyond 100 once turn lanes, curb extensions and loading zones are included.

Board reaction and alternatives: Commissioners and staff agreed the parking loss is large relative to downtown capacity. TEC and staff proposed an alternative focus on traffic calming, curb extensions, targeted signal changes, pedestrian safety improvements, and selective removal of traffic signals where warrants are lacking. Staff said traffic‑calming designs will be prepared with renderings, cost estimates and projected parking impacts for public review.

Why it matters: Downtown businesses repeatedly emphasized turnover and parking availability; commissioners stressed that any reconfiguration must include clear analysis of parking tradeoffs and business impacts.

Next steps: Staff will produce traffic‑calming visuals and a phased plan for public and business engagement before pursuing any conversion or infrastructure changes.