Parking Restrictions Approved Near Basswood Elementary in Maple Grove

Concerns about overflow parking during events at District 279’s have led to tighter parking restrictions on a nearby public access road.

The roadway at the center of the concern serves as access to Basswood Elementary and the Amber Hills neighborhood, just north of the elementary school, according to a memo provided to the by the city’s engineering department.

“This 31-foot wide road, which is standard width for residential streets, becomes quite narrow with parking on both sides during the events,” the memo said. “The resulting width has raised concerns regarding access for emergency vehicles as well as efficient traffic movement.”

As a result, the Maple Grove City Council decided to act on a city staff recommendation to place a full time parking restriction on the west side of the access drive at its Monday, Sept. 19 meeting. The item passed with no discussion.

Problems with the parking situation were discussed after complaints were made after an open house at preceding the first day of school Sept. 6.

“As this area does not experience parking demand outside of major events at the school, it is recommended that a full time parking restriction be placed on the west side of the access drive,” the memo said.

The action taken by the Maple Grove City Council Sept. 19 prohibits parking on the west side of the public access road between Highway 10 (Bass Lake Road) and the Basswood Elementary school north property line.

“This will still provide overflow parking along the east side while also maintaining a sufficient net street width during large events,” the engineering department memo said.