Some of the parking solutions brought up for consideration included: changing the parking on 5th Street from parallel to angled parking; eliminating a grass area on upper 5th and converting it to parking; using Virginia Terrace on the north border of the campus. Many staff and students are currently using that area for parking.
For large events on campus ideas include blocking off Palm Court and only allowing residents to enter, using other parking lots such as other school sites and offering shuttle service and reviewing instructions sent to visiting schools as to where to park and where buses can be unloaded.
Concerning traffic flow, they discussed having police traffic enforcement to monitor and issue warnings or tickets when warranted and to possibly make Palm Court a one-way street. The committee also talked about opening up the gate at the top of Palm Court at 5th Street.
In addition they talked about the need to keep the gate open for pedestrians on 6th Street. Also, The City operates a bus line specifically designed for students to get to and from schools in the district. Rose noted that ridership is currently low. She said the city would like to work collaboratively with the school district to increase ridership. A monthly pass is $20. The city is suggesting the school board consider subsidizing the bus passes for students. The result would likely mean a decrease in the number of cars during the morning drop-off and the afternoon school pickup times.
