"This is an unfortunate reality. Our neighborhood is going to be overrun if nothing is done. This is the best possible solution. To do nothing would be a disaster." Those words came Thomas Paulus during Monday evening's Platteville plan commission meeting in regard to a proposed parking plan for streets surrounding the future UW-Platteville residence hall. The future housing development will include more than 600 students.
Larry Bierke, Platteville city manager, held three meetings with neighbors regarding parking around the future residence hall on Chestnut Street at Markee Avenue. Bierke told the members of the plan commission that those meetings went well. There was much discussion during the first two meetings and by the end of the third meeting, the neighbors were able to come to a consensus on a parking plan. "This is what the neighborhood is asking for," said Bierke.
Everyone involved understands there will likely be tweaks to the plan along the way.
The plan includes four parking designations for streets near the residence hall. The types of parking options are color-coded: blue, orange, red and green. "We tried to make it as simple as we could," said Bierke.
The plan also includes parking permits. Each residential dwelling would receive two parking permits, with owner occupied dwellings having the option of applying for two additional permits.
There would be special parking permits for landlords as well.
Residents would also be able to get one-day guest passes.
If someone violates the parking rules, the first citation would be $50 and the second citation would include a $50 fine and the vehicle would be towed.
Persons with parking permits would not be allowed to sell them.
The permit would be a placard that hangs on a vehicle's rear-view mirror.
Demand for parking around the UW-Platteville campus has increased in recent years and that trend is expected to continue. It has been previously reported that the university is hoping to build one residence hall each year for the next five years to accommodate the expected influx of students.
It was noted during Monday's meeting, that there has been discussions among city officials to charge drivers who park on city streets surrounding the university, such as on College Drive.
Mike Dalecki, council president, indicated the city is hoping to turn a profit on parking permits, if the system is implemented.
The cost to implement the new parking regulations near the future residence hall is not known at this time. That cost will be offset somewhat by fines, noted Bierke.
Dalecki noted the residence hall is contributing $100,000 annually to the city in lieu of taxes to help cover these issues, substantially more than that parcel was paying in annual property taxes.
Residents on Division Street did not receive notice of the meetings. Bierke apologized, citing a glitch in the system. Those residents will be provided the project plan, including the proposal for Division Street, which is similar to what is in place now.
The plan commission unanimously approved the parking plan map and accompanying ordinance. The issue will be back in front of the plan commission before being sent to the Platteville Common Council.