Authority approves two employee parking spots on Sherman Street West, denies conversions near housing

The Fairfield Traffic Authority on May 21 approved an amendment to convert two on‑street spaces on Sherman Street West from two‑hour public parking to employee‑only parking and denied a separate request to convert four or five spaces on Sherman Street closer to residences.

Board members said the request — submitted with support from the Chamber of Commerce and referenced by Mark Barnhard — lacked clarity on on‑street parking demand and potential impacts on nearby townhouses. Members voiced concern that converting spaces adjacent to housing would remove visitor parking and shift demand onto surrounding streets. Engineering and zoning input were noted as missing from the record.

Bill moved to amend item 3A to approve the two Sherman Street West spaces and deny the conversion of the four/five spaces near homes; a second was recorded and the motion carried 4–0–1. The board directed staff to get additional information from zoning and to revisit the larger conversion request if more data on off‑street capacity and permit counts become available.

The decision applies only to the specific on‑street markings discussed; staff will return with any zoning constraints, permit counts and potential time limits if a broader conversion is later requested.