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WINONA LAKE - Taking the old saw, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again," to heart, the Winona Lake Plan Commission once again addressed parking restrictions on Park Avenue.
The commission again proposed limited parking on Park Avenue, between Administration and Auditorium boulevards, and opening those two streets to two-way traffic, between Park Avenue and West Canal Street.
"The council was concerned about limiting parking for the residents of the apartments at Administration and Park Avenue," said council president Brent Wilcoxson. "I think they'd like to see unrestricted parking on Park Avenue, between Administration and Auditorium."
Acting on that request, the commission again recommended 30-minute parking on the west side of Park Avenue between Administration and Auditorium. The parking limitation would be in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Unlimited parking would be available on the east side of Park Avenue.
Additionally, the commission recommended that no parking be allowed on either Auditorium or Administration boulevards, and that both be open to two-way traffic between Park Avenue and West Canal Street.
If approved by the council, the new restrictions will take effect at the completion of the current Park Avenue rehabilitation project, tentatively scheduled for June 12.
In other business, the commission received a report from town attorney Jim Walmer on the Smith Mobile Home Park, 2308 E. Winona Ave. The town is considering rezoning the property, owned by Jerry Smith, from commercial to residential zoning. The land has been used not only as Smith's personal residence, but for up to 20 mobile homes at one time.
"The Smiths have proposed a deed restriction should be drawn up, to include an enforcement mechanism for the town," Walmer told the commission via letter. "The town would commit not to pursue rezoning the property to residential and the Smiths would commit to have the mobile homes located there removed by a certain date."
The commission requested the Smiths, through their attorney, Steve Snyder, to draft the proposed deed restrictions and submit the draft to the commission prior to its May 11 meeting.
