Neighbors' Concerns Reflected in Dowling Parking Plan Before West Des Moines Council

A plan to ease parking congestion in the vicinity of , 1400 Buffalo Road, goes before the Monday.

The meeting at City Hall, 4200 Mills Civic Pkwy., starts at 5:30 p.m.

Dowling currently has 750 parking stalls, about 300 shy of minimum needs. The first phase of the parking lot project, which is expected to begin this summer, will add 105 stalls. A total of 298 stalls will be added over the three-year life of the project.

The resolution before the council addresses concerns raised by Carl and Elaine Berry, 103 17th St. In a letter to the council, they asked for assurance that mediation steps be prescribed in the event that parking lot lights and vehicle lights create a nuisance to neighbors.

The Berrys said they would be unable to attend the council meeting. “We certainly hope the property owners on 17th Street have fair representation on this matter,” the Berrys wrote.

In working with their neighbors, Dowling officials offered to construct a six-foot high cedar fence along the west boundary of the school property to buffer the neighbors from the parking lot and block headlights from shining into their homes. Other corrective action is also outlined.