New parking restrictions approved in St. Joseph for Olive and Pacific streets
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Neighborhood residents will notice new parking restrictions enforced on two multi-block areas of Olive and Pacific streets moving forward.
City Councilmembers approved a measure Monday from St. Joseph Public Works and Transportation to amend the city’s code of ordinances to create new parking restrictions on both streets following months of public discussion and requests from both residents and organizations.
Under new restrictions, parking is now prohibited on the north side of Olive Street from Sixth to Eighth streets. A second change will see parking now prohibited on the south side of Pacific Street from 33rd Street all the way out to the Belt Highway, a near five-block stretch of roadway. Parking is now forbidden on both sides of the street.
The city began to explore the possibility of parking changes back in June when the St. Joseph Traffic Commission heard a request from a local resident about parking restrictions along Pacific Street, one of multiple requests.
The section of Pacific Street contains steep ditches and is a known area for speeding according to residents and law enforcement, putting parked vehicles in harms way and making it difficult for authorities to safely pass when cars are parked along the roadway.
It was also determined through a “No Parking” trial that restrictions on both sides helped provide additional sight distance, roadway safety and overall traffic movement.
Requests for changes along Olive Street were prompted by the nonprofit group Community Missions, which has seen increased pedestrian activity on the roadway associated with the facility, creating unsafe conditions along a busy corridor.
The Public Works Traffic Division and the Police Traffic Division reviewed the request and reported no concerns with the proposed change as adequate off-street parking is available nearby. A “No Parking” trial was also implemented, which showed noticeable improvements both in traffic flow and safety.
