A public works official presented new parking restrictions designated around the area of Sunnyside Elementary School during Tuesday’s Pullman City Council meeting. The restrictions are designed to alleviate traffic congestion.

Clayton Forsmann, deputy director of public works, outlined three potential parking restriction changes of Shirley and Fountain streets. The issue arose in early 2013, when a citizen expressed his concern for congestion on the east side of Shirley Street near Sunnyside Elementary. Safety hazards have formed in response to the vehicle blockage.

“The existing widths of Shirley and Fountain Street are approximately 30 feet from curb to curb,” Forsmann said. “As a result, if cars are parked on both sides of the street the resulting traffic lanes are too narrow to allow for safe two-way traffic.”

Authorities from the Department of Public Works have performed studies to determine areas of congestion in various portions that surround Sunnyside Elementary.

Parking restrictions would take effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Forsmann said his department consulted with residents impacted by the traffic problems. He explained there is a limited line of sight when vehicles navigate around a 90 degree curve heading down a tight section of east Shirley Street.  Weather has also played a negative factor in travel, he said.

“The citizen input that was originally received indicated that during slick winter conditions, vehicles would spin out and not be able to start uphill again after stopping for the traffic coming down the hill,” he said.

City staff recommends adding parking restrictions to the south side of Shirley Street, where fewer residents live. This would allow two traffic lanes at all times from the corner up to the entrance of the elementary school.

“In total, this would amount to 77 feet of additional parking restrictions,” Forsmann said.  “The south side is preferred because there are fewer residents on the south side of Shirley Street.”

A specific part of Fountain Street lies next to a playground and stairway, making it a popular hub for student pick up. Some council members expressed apprehension to the proposed Fountain Street parking restriction recommendations.

One proposition would restrict parking on the side of the street that parents pick up their children, because parking on that side of the street caused limited visibility. However, this would cause students to cross the street in order to get to their vehicles.

“It seems like getting in a car closest to the sidewalk closer to the stairway, not crossing the street is safer,” said Mayor Glenn Johnson.

Councilman Al Sorensen attested to Johnson’s observation.

“That would be my question,” Sorensen said. “Why would we make them cross the street?”

Forsmann acknowledged the council members’ concern and said the matter would be introduced to the principal of Sunnyside Elementary for further advice on Fountain Street parking limitations.

Nathan Weller commended the feedback derived from a Pullman resident on the parking restrictions dispute. With feedback come challenges in deciding what parking restrictions should be enforced.

 “In general parking restrictions are always tough to implement because you’re going to impact someone,” said Kevin Gardes, public works director.

Although it can be difficult to please everyone when establishing restrictions, Gardes said public works plans to modify the recommendations.

“We try to have a balanced approach coming up with a solution,” he said.