Proposed traffic and parking changes around Newton’s new splash pad have received support from a majority of the Newton City Council. Council members have passed the first reading of a proposed ordinance adding stop signs on West 3rd Street North at North 3rd Avenue West. That’s the intersection at the northwest corner of the splash pad. It’s also proposed that one parking space on the east side of West Third Street North and one parking space on the south side of North 3rd Avenue West be eliminated. The Newton Police Department says the opening of the splash pad this summer has created heavier vehicle and pedestrian traffic. In addition, there’s an ordinance change in the works that would allow food trucks to park along the street on the north side of the splash pad, along North 3rd Avenue West. City Council debate about the safety of that prompted the stop sign and parking recommendations from Mayor Evelyn George. 

“I am the one who requested this be looked at because I was listening to all the discussions that have been held by this council during the last two meetings. Erroring on the side of extra safety versus one parking spot.”

Second Ward Council member Melissa Dalton believes the elimination of one of the parking spots is unnecessary.

“I even parked a vehicle in that parking spot, and sat at the intersection like there was a stop sign. There is no problem seeing. So I recommend we keep that parking spot.”

Dalton was the only Newton City Council member to not support all the recommended changes. The proposals will be up for a second reading at the next council meeting on Tuesday, September 2nd.