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Parking changes on Delta Avenue

GLADSTONE — Visitors and residents in Gladstone will soon see changes to parking on Delta Avenue following a traffic order approved by the city commission Monday.

The order extends the two-hour parking already in place from 8th Street to 11th Street to include Delta Avenue from 7th Street to 14th Street. The parking restrictions are only in effect Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the additional stretch of roadway will follow the same rules.

The change stems from a series of complaints filed with Gladstone Public Safety and the city’s community development department. The complaints originated primarily from a business on the south side of the 1300 block.

“What we’ve kind of discussed is where are we going to draw the line? If we’re just singling out one business or one certain section and then another business pops up on Delta Avenue and we’re right back to … dealing with it again,” said Public Safety Director Ron Robinson, explaining why the order extended beyond the area of the complaints.

A significant portion of the new area is occupied by single-family homes.

“I hate to tell someone they can’t park in front of their house because one person is creating a nussiance,” said Commissioner Greg Styczynki, who added the parking problems stemmed from a business he believes is unlicensed that is operating in the area.

It was noted during Monday’s meeting that the Gladstone Downtown Development Authority recently wrapped up a parking study, which will be presented at the next DDA meeting. There was some discussion about waiting for the results of the study, however, the majority of the commission felt it was better to address the issue now and make any necessary changes at a later date.

Ultimately, the new order — which will take effect once signs can be purchased and installed — passed with only Styczynki voting against the order.

In other busienss Monday, the commission approved the purchase of six tasers, spare batteries, a left-handed holser, and an extended waranty. The total cost of the tasers will be $8,904, but the public safety department intends to use budgeted funds, and has applied for grant funds and plans to sell its existing tasers to offset costs.

Robinson noted the department only fires tasers one or two times per year, and public safety policy dictates tasers can only be used for “active aggression,” such as when a suspect is attempting to attack an officer.

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