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Downtown parking was again addressed by the Warsaw Traffic Commission Thursday.
A January article in a South Bend newspaper was presented, which involved downtown LaPorte residents and the need for additional parking spaces in the area.
A new resolution adopted by LaPorte's city council will offer 24-hour parking for individuals who pay a $20 monthly fee for a permit. These permits will be available this month.
The Warsaw commission hoped the strategy would assist them in their own dilemma, where downtown residents face parking difficulties, and shop owners in the area complain of lack of parking due to these residents.
City Planner Jeremy Skinner said the city should work towards a "comprehensive plan" that would address local concerns.
"We need to look at where apartments are located, where spaces are located and what parking lots are currently available in areas of downtown," Skinner said.
Members mentioned the idea of a parking garage downtown, but Mayor Ernie Wiggins said organizations have declined to construct such a facility because of costs.
Police Chief Steve Foster said he would monitor the LaPorte situation and see if similar ideas could be used for Warsaw's downtown.
In other matters, the commission approved a decrease of the speed limit on Husky Trail.
After contacting the Kosciusko County Highway Department, Kip Shuter said he believed a 35 mph limit inside of city limits should replace the current 45 mph limit. After the commission's approval, the county also will adopt the new limit on Husky Trail to as far as the CR 200N intersection.
Also discussed was an issue involving Hepler Drive and the need for flashing yellow beacons at a Zimmer crosswalk.
The matter was tabled to allow the commission more time to collect information on city requirements.
"The issue's not whether or not we will do this," Foster said. "The issue is that we need to make sure we do this correctly."
Parked semis also have been reported along Zimmer Lane, a street which intersects Hepler Drive. The commission approved an ordinance to install "No Parking" signs in hopes of solving the problem.
Commission members are Shuter, Foster, Skinner, Bill Rhoades, Ann Sweet, George Clemens, Lacy Francis and Dan Robinson. Greg Schroeder was absent.
