FORT MADISON – City officials in Fort Madison are requesting more traffic data and feedback from residents before making a decision on the future of parking along 24th Street between Avenue H and Avenue L.
The stretch currently features bike lanes down to Avenue H, but parking on both sides south of that point is being viewed as a challenge for those accessing the wellness path on Avenue L. The city would also like to extend the bike path all the way to Avenue L
A public hearing was held Tuesday evening at the Fort Madison City Council meeting to discuss whether parking should be banned from Avenue A to Avenue L on both sides of 24th Street, in order to accommodate the current and proposed bike lanes.
Councilwoman Angela Roller spoke about the importance of safe recreational spaces.
“I use the bike path from Avenue G to Bluff either running or biking and find it to be very beneficial. If you close one side down, I don’t know if it’s wide enough if you’re running and I’m biking and you have two cars passing,” she said.
“I think that creates a pretty dangerous situation. But I appreciate that our town is starting to get safe spaces for people to recreate. That’s super important.”
Mayor Matt Mohrfeld emphasized the city’s strategic plan for connectivity
“Quality of life for young people is not just about the wellness paths but also about connecting parks and schools. Right now, you can go from rodeo to the hospital, and that’s part of our strategic plan. But when it comes down to parking, we have to weigh that out.”
Police Chief Cody Potthast noted that while there have been no accidents in the area, there is concern about traffic congestion and the potential for future incidents with cars parked on both sides of 24th Street and added bike paths.
City Manager Laura Liegois reported that no residents had reached out directly to her about the issue, but acknowledged the ongoing struggle to balance connectivity with parking needs.
Resident Jill Lucas who lives on the corner of 24th and Avenue J, raised concerns about accessibility, especially for those with disabilities, and the speed of motorists near the pickleball courts. Chief Potthast responded that a speed trailer may be moved to the area to monitor and address speeding.
Council members expressed mixed feelings on the issue.
Jack Gray, 4th Ward Councilman, worried about the impact on residents who rely on street parking, especially with new apartments set to increase traffic. Matt Emmett, at-large councilman, shared his own experience with limited parking and urged consideration for both sides of the issue.
Jerry Sparrow, 3rd Ward Councilman, called for more resident input before making a decision.
“I don’t think we’ve heard enough yet to make a good decision and I don’t want us to make the wrong decision.”
At-large Councilman Rusty Andrews saw the benefits of improved bike and walking paths but hoped alternative parking options could be found for affected residents. Rick Thiele, 1st Ward Councilman, suggested expanding the PORT Trail and widening sidewalks as a possible compromise, although it would require additional efforts on the part of the PORT Trail committee.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the parking restrictions, but Emmett made another motion to table the discussion pending further discussions. The other motion that was put on the table to approve was not disposed of and was left open ended. Mohrfeld said the motion to table was viable after the motion to approve had been moved and seconded.
Mohrfeld proposed the resolution and it was moved by Councilman Dustin Yager and seconded by Angela Roller. Then Emmett made his motion to table the resolution and that was seconded by Sparrow. Mohrfeld addressed the motion to table and that motion passed 6-0 to table until the Nov. 3 meeting.
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