First Unitarian Church representatives tell commission recent parking changes disrupted long‑used spaces; staff to analyze and follow up

Representatives of First Unitarian Church told the Traffic and Transportation Commission on June 15 that a recent change to nearby street parking has removed spaces the congregation has used for decades and created access difficulties for elderly members.

Frank Victor Rossler III, representing the congregation, said the church has relied on the parking area at 600 NW 13th Street for nearly 75 years and that recent changes were made without prior consultation. "The change has been fairly impactful to our congregation," Rossler said.

Reverend Kent Doss said the church learned it will be on a future docket and asked the commission to ensure staff analyze the change and engage the congregation. Staff said the issue will be analyzed and they are working to schedule the item on a future agenda; staff encouraged the petitioners to speak with Mary (staff contact) after the meeting to confirm details.

Next steps: staff will analyze the parking-change request, place the matter on a future agenda, and coordinate with church representatives and other stakeholders.