City examines South Boyer parking woes

SANDPOINT — Business and residential priorities butted heads at the regularly scheduled Administration Committee meeting this month.

Residents living along South Boyer Avenue sought committee approval for a “residential parking only” sign to allay trouble with nearby businesses. Although committee members ultimately didn’t feel a sign was the right answer, city staff are currently on the case to develop a workable solution for all parties.

According to neighborhood residents Lori Reid and Cole McAvoy, the  main concerns centered around the overbearing presence of delivery trucks in the neighborhood. The trucks often park along the street, limiting residents’ parking and access to their homes.

In addition, Reid said employees of nearby businesses park in front of her home while at work. The lack of close parking to her home proved especially troublesome when chores like grocery unloading were at hand. Although she had contacted business managers to work out the issue privately, the problem persisted.

However, a sign installation brought along its own issues. According to Police Chief Mark Lockwood, such an approach would require legitimate residents to designate their vehicles with parking passes. Furthermore, any city-endorsed parking restrictions brought along a need for enforcement. Since most areas of the city didn’t receive that special designation, the enforcement and precedent could prove problematic down the road.

Committee members instead encouraged a resolution that didn’t require city action. According to building official Don Carter, Winter Ridge owner Greg Prummer said delivery truck drivers are aiming to arrive later in the day, thereby minimizing issues. He also instructed his employees that not to park near residences.