Dear South Side Community,

We are eager to collaborate with local organizations in the ongoing care and maintenance of the streetscape projects we are planning to build. If your organization is interested in partnering with the City to help maintain these spaces, please send a formal letter of interest on behalf of your organization by 4PM, September 5th with your preferred alternative (see below) to Panini Chowdhury, Project Manager for DOMI.

The Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI) conducted a parking study to better understand current parking trends and identify opportunities to offset the loss of parking spaces if the illegal center parking lane is removed. In the study, DOMI staff surveyed parking along the corridor to assess parking levels at various times (in May 2025), including weekday (morning, afternoon, and evening) and weekend (afternoon and evening) times.

The changes to parking described in the memo would cumulatively provide 91 additional free parking spaces in the immediate vicinity, within one or two blocks of the project area. These additional spaces could be used by residents and visitors and do not include changes to the residential permit parking zone. This addition would more than offset the 60 spaces that are proposed to be removed from the median on 21st St.

Click here to read the Parking Study Memo

Existing traffic and safety trend of the corridor:

• Corridor extent: E. Carson St. to Josephine St.
• Traffic volume: 3,051 (2025)
• 85% of drivers drove through this corridor at or below 24 MPH.
• Total reported crashes: 16 (2020-2024).
• Highest crash points: Sarah St. & Jane St. (Angle crashes)

Core design principles:

• Reduce speeding and aggressive driving.
• Enhance sight line & pedestrian safety with well-designed crossings at key intersections.
• Create a welcoming green gateway to South side Park and expand green spaces along the corridor.
• Establish bike connections to the park.
• Maintain safe and efficient access for emergency vehicles.

Why has parking maximization at the corridor not been considered?

While angle parking can generate 40% -60% more parking than parallel parking, it hasn’t been considered for this project for the following reasons.

• Reduced Green Space: Angle parking requires 25 to 27 ft., reducing overall space available for beautification
• Safe Bike Connection vs. Back-in Parking Conflict: This would require back-in parking (something the community is not supportive based on Phase 1 engagement inputs)
• Additional Parking Locations Available: Enough spaces can be created in the immediate area to offset any parking lost without using angle parking.

Based on feedback from Phase 1 engagement in conjunction with the utilization of the guiding principles listed above, the project aims to balance pedestrian safety, traffic calming, and parking needs with the community’s vision of a welcoming, green gateway to the South Side Park. The process began with a detailed parking study, which laid the groundwork for three distinct corridor design alternatives.

Each alternative reflects the community’s aspirations while offering a unique approach to achieving this balance.

Community Vision: Residents envision this corridor as a welcoming, green gateway to South Side Park and a neighborhood gathering space.

Balancing Priorities: While enhancing aesthetics is important, pedestrian safety, traffic calming, & parking demand must remain top priorities and should not be compromised.