HomeMy WebLinkAboutX-A-01 Implement Parking Restrictions on Ashland Street City Council Memorandum
To: Mayor Fasbender & City Council Members
From: Cody Mathisen – City Engineer
Date: October 7, 2024
Item: Implement Parking Restrictions on Ashland Street between 9th Street W and 10th Street W
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Council is requested to approve implementing parking restrictions on Ashland Street between 9th Street W and
10th Street W.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
City Engineering staff has received multiple safety concerns from constituents and emergency services along
this block of Ashland Street. In late October of 2023, upgrades to the existing tennis courts along this block
were completed which included the addition of new pickleball courts. Following the upgrades, there has been a
substantial increase in visitors to the courts resulting in an increased demand for parking in the area.
Staff has been inspecting the area at various times of day to document the impact this increased parking has on
safety along the corridor. After analyzing the area over multiple weeks, staff confirmed that parking demand is
generating sight line and safety issues, with the most notable being:
Westbound vehicles on 10th Street turning left towards Highway 55 have obstructed sight lines.
Drivers on Ashland Street generally have poor visibility and at times insufficient space for two-way
traffic. Both issues are accentuated by the steep hill along this block.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
To address these issues, staff recommends designating the east side of Ashland Street (from 9th to 10th Street)
as “No-Parking” to improve safety and visibility. Key points of this recommendation include:
The west side of Ashland is better for tennis/pickleball court visitors, with an ADA-accessible sidewalk
already established, no need to cross the street, and no residential driveways to contend with.
Removing parking from the east side will displace 10-11 spaces, but there are ample alternative parking
options, including 31 typically vacant angled stalls on 9th Street West which borders the courts.
Although initially effective, attempts to address parking through communications with the Hastings
Pickleball Association have not been successfully sustained, making formal signage necessary.
It is also important to highlight that this recommendation aligns with messaging provided to Council in 2017 when
Ashland Street was reconstructed to a reduced width of 30 feet. At that time, it was discussed that if parking
demand created safety issues, one side of the street could be designated as no parking. The Operations
Committee supported the staff recommendation at their September 9, 2024, Operations Committee Meeting.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
If approved by Council, the cost to the City to place the necessary signs will be approximately $600.
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution adopting the restrictions
Map illustrating the location of the proposed restrictions
X-A-01
CITY OF HASTINGS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION TO PROHIBIT PARKING ALONG
ASHLAND STREET BETWEEN 9TH STREET WEST AND 10TH STREET WEST
WHEREAS, City staff have observed substantial vehicle parking along both sides of Ashland Street between 9th
Street West and 10th Street West for visitors of the tennis and pickleball court facilities, and
WHEREAS, said parking is inhibiting visibility and clear sight lines, presenting concerns for safety of pedestrians
and vehicles navigating the roadway in this area.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HASTINGS AS FOLLOWS:
1. Parking will be prohibited on the East Side of Ashland Street between 9th Street West and 10th Street West
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF HASTINGS, MINNESOTA, THIS 7th DAY OF OCTOBER, 2024
Ayes:
Nays:
Mary D. Fasbender, Mayor
ATTEST:
Kelly Murtaugh, City Clerk
SEAL
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