Parallel parking along First Street taken off table altogether in revised ideas for street reshape

Snohomish city officials have decided against implementing parallel parking on First Street east of Avenue D after community feedback prioritized additional parking spaces. Public Works Director Nova Heaton noted that residents expressed a strong preference for parking over pedestrian comfort. The revised plan includes transforming Avenues A, B, C, and Union Avenue into alternating one-way streets, which could add up to 53 more parking spots downtown. Currently, these avenues provide 163 parking spaces, but the proposed changes could increase that number to 216 with angled parking on both sides. The city also plans to enhance pedestrian safety by removing parking stalls near crosswalks at First Street intersections to improve visibility.

This move aims to mitigate potential legal issues related to pedestrian accidents. Additionally, the city is exploring options to purchase a private parking lot for public use. A survey seeking community input on First Street's future is available on the city's website.