The traffic problems on Latham Road have been discussed at every meeting of the California Board of Aldermen for several months.
Monday, May 2, at the regular monthly meeting, the matter finally was brought to a vote and a decision made. Beginning June 1, there will be no parking on either side of Latham Road from Business 50 to its intersection with Rice Boulevard.
The lengthy, and at times heated, discussion involved not only the current traffic congestion in the area, considered to be largely due to parking on the street, but the fact that the Henley subdivision being developed at the end of that section of street is expected to vastly increase the traffic and congestion on Latham Road.
The discussion included several options do nothing, no parking on the west side, no parking on the east side, no parking from Business 50 to Pamela Drive or no street parking at all.
The decision to eliminate parking on either side was reached reluctantly, but with the idea of preventing greater hazards as the traffic increases.
In other business, former council member Charlie Roll asked about the installation of street lights along lengthy stretches of Cedar Street with no residences. There was no timeline given in the original decision for the city to install streetlights. Since the primary objective in the Cedar Street area at this time is to extend sewer service a million-dollar project and there are no residences along the road, it was decided streetlights can wait.
The Cleaning and painting project for the Russellville Road water tower is well underway and expected to be completed in June.
The next regular meeting is in the City Hall Council Chamber, Monday, June 6, at 7 p.m.