By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

For many years concerns have been expressed about the congestion that occurs on Elizabeth Street during opening and closing periods at the Whitewater Middle School. In particular it has been felt that students are at risk of being hit as they dash across the street. One of the improvements that was funded by the recent capital referendum is the construction of a school bus passage from Elizabeth Street to Highland Street, allowing students to board their bus behind the middle school instead of on the south side. That project is scheduled to be completed prior to the start of the school year, and the plan is for those cars that are picking up middle school students to use the circular drive by the main entrance. David Friend, district director of building and grounds, reported at the July city Public Works Committee meeting that it is estimated that up to 52 cars would be able to queue up in that drive, with additional space available if needed in the district parking lot.

The committee members discussed a proposal that was provided by Brad Marquardt, city public works director, to prohibit stopping, standing or parking on either side of Elizabeth Street in the middle school area. The committee voted to recommend that an ordinance with those prohibitions be forwarded to the Common Council. That ordinance will have its first reading at the council meeting this Tuesday. Although a second reading is required, which normally takes place at the next meeting, occasionally that may be waived if the council deems it appropriate. It appears that if approved the prohibition could be in effect as early as the first day of school. Signage would have to be erected in order for the change to be in effect.

The following definitions were provided by the Police Department.
Stopping: momentarily halting the vehicle (could include stopping to drop off or pick up passengers while
still in control of the vehicle).
Standing: vehicle remains motionless for a brief period while the driver remains in the vehicle with the
engine running.
Parking: the vehicle is stopped, whether occupied or not, for an extended duration. Includes turning off
the vehicle or leaving it unattended.

As is standard practice at council meetings, public comment will be welcome either in person or virtually. As part of the council’s plan to make its meetings more accessible to residents, this week’s meeting is taking place at the Whitewater Innovation Center, 1221 Innovation Drive on Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. The agenda, which includes virtual access information, may be found here.