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11/12/2018 11:00 PMThe increasing popularity of Ivoryton center, area restaurants, the Ivoryton playhouse, and other events held in the center have created a pressing need for more parking.
In an effort to come up with a solution, members of the Ivoryton Alliance discussed possible solutions at a recent meeting of the Board of Selectman.
John Guszkowski, the consulting town planner, said one possible solution is to turn Ivory Street into a one-way road, allowing for the creation of 20 more on-street parking spots.
“This is a lightly used road and changing it over to one-way does not really create any safety issues,” added Guszkowski.
Selectman Bruce Glowac asked whether any other options had been discussed.
“[B]esides property acquisition, which would cost the town money, the one-way road option was the best solution we have come up with,” said Guszkowski.
Ivoryton Library Director Elizabeth Alvord explained that using this one-way road option would make it easier and safer for patrons using the library, because they would not have to cross Main Street to get to the library.
“I am in total support of making Ivory Street a one-way to create more parking,” said Elizabeth. “When parents bring toddlers to story time, it would be much safer if they didn’t have to cross a busy street with the little ones, so I think this is a fantastic idea.”
Planning Commission Chair Alan Kerr explained that the one-way option was presented to the commission and it was received favorably.
“It’s the best, low-cost option we have to take care of a chronic problem in downtown Ivoryton,” said Kerr, adding, “If making the road one-way is not a good fit and creates a problem, we can easily change it back.”
Glowac explained, “It’s nice to have a booming town center in Ivoryton, but we have to be sure to keep in mind the long-term effects of changing things.”
First Selectman Norman Needleman recused himself from input on the matter due to his personal connection to the Ivoryton Playhouse (his spouse Jacquelyn Hubbard is the playhouse’s director).
Glowac and Selectman Stacia Libby agreed to take a “field trip” to downtown Ivoryton in the near future to discuss the matter further and see firsthand how they think making Ivory Street a one-way would alleviate some of the parking problems in the area. The Ivoryton Alliance was asked to do a traffic study in the area, as well as reach out to the police department and the fire department for their input on the matter, and to discuss any foreseeable safety issues.
The entire matter will be investigated further and brought back to the selectman at a later date. If all agree that it is a viable option, the matter will be brought to a public hearing and all neighbors and residents of Ivory Street will be notified.