New parking restrictions on Grace Street and Vinehurst Avenue enacted Monday will prevent hospital employees from clogging a narrow street with cars.

Tuesday, March 13, 2001

New parking restrictions on Grace Street and Vinehurst Avenue enacted Monday will prevent hospital employees from clogging a narrow street with cars.

A steady stream of homeowners and renters told the city council that parking on Grace and Vinehurst is impossible because hospital employees regularly park there. Both of the narrow streets are located just west of Albert Lea Medical Center.

&uot;I’ve seen a lot of stuff, as far as parking, come and go, and this is the worst it has ever been,&uot; said 50-year Grace Street resident Harold Nelson at a public hearing at Monday’s city council meeting.

Councilor Dave McPherson called the hearing after receiving consistent complaints from residents, many of whom had difficulty backing out of their driveways.

&uot;It’s a terrible problem. It’s just too tight. We never get the street plowed decently,&uot; said Bernie Higgins, another Grace Street resident.

City Manager Paul Sparks told the residents that Albert Lea Medical Center is exempt from parking ratios because it was at its current location before ratios were enacted by the city.

After the testimony of residents, McPherson proposed a no parking restriction on both streets from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during weekdays. The measure passed unanimously.

&uot;It’s a concern I’ve had numerous calls about this winter,&uot; McPherson said. &uot;We’ll give this a try and see how it works.&uot;

Grace Street, already a one way, will now have no parking on the south side of the street and the new restrictions on the north side. Likewise, Vinehurst Avenue has no parking on the west side and the new restrictions on the east side.

&uot;I fully understand why these people complained,&uot; McPherson said after the meeting. &uot;They should be able to have access to their homes and be able to back out of their driveways without worrying about accidents.&uot;

In other council news:

–The council voted to move forward on reconstruction of Frank Avenue, scheduled for this summer. The $1.128 million project involves total replacement of utilities, as well as a widening of the street. About $300,000 of the project will be assessed to residents.

–The council also approved a reconditioning of Maplehill Drive from Front Street to Plainview Lane. The $128,000 project involves the replacement of the 35-year-old bituminous street surface.

–Jackie Abrego approached the council concerning a series of four summer events for area youth coordinated with the city’s parks and recreation department. The council pledged support for the events, which include a pool party, laser tag, luau and street dance for high school youth.

–The council approved the installment of a new marquee sign for the high school at the corner of Bridge Avenue and Hammer Road. Sponsored by Minnesota Corrugated Box, the sign will operate between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. and will advertise school-related events.

–The Albert Lea Police Department will purchase two new SUV vehicles to replace old units. The vehicles are more appropriate for inclement weather and emergency service situations. The council also approved a lease agreement through the Minnesota Travel Management Division for four new patrol vehicles.

–The council initiated the process of establishing a tax-increment financing district for a 50-unit rental development in northeast Albert Lea. The facility includes housing for the elderly as well as market- rate apartments.