Tim Ryan, tryan@shawanoleader.com
City of Shawano officials Wednesday limited parking on Washington Street alongside Charlie’s County Market in hopes of eliminating sight-line issues that have been responsible for several accidents there.
It was the city’s second effort to address safety concerns for vehicles coming in and out of the parking lot. The store is located at 521 S. Main St. The parking lot stretches into the 600 block of South Main Street, crossing what used to be Richmond Street.
The street was discontinued between Main and Washington streets to allow for the parking lot.
In October, the Common Council approved new parking regulations in the 500 and 600 blocks of South Main Street.
After a couple of accidents involving vehicles exiting the other side of the parking lot, attention turned to Washington Street. Police believe the primary cause of those accidents was motorists unable to get a clear view of traffic because of vehicles parked too close to the driveway.
The regulations adopted Wednesday prohibit vehicles from parking, standing or stopping on the east side of the 500 block of South Washington Street, starting at the north side of the driveway entrance and continuing north for 80 feet. South of the driveway, vehicles are also prohibited from parking, standing or stopping for 75 feet.
Mayor Lorna Marquardt said the similar restrictions adopted for Main Street have significantly improved safety on that side of the parking lot.
Those restrictions prohibit anyone from parking or leaving their vehicle on the west side of Main Street starting at the extended south curb line of East Maurer Street and continuing 110 feet south of the extended south curb line of East Richmond Street.
Parking was also restricted on the east side of South Main Street on the 600 block, starting at the extended south curb line of East Richmond Street and continuing south 185 feet.
On the east side of the 500 block of South Main Street, vehicles are not allowed to park starting at the extended north curb line of East Richmond Street and continuing north 120 feet.