By Joe Bachman

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — City officials have agreed to remove permit parking on Johnson St. outside of nearby businesses.

At Tuesday’s Public Works meeting, staff met with concerned residents regarding the ongoing parking situation downtown for areas of W. Grand Ave., Johnson St. and First Ave. South. This also includes parking for River Block employees.

However, the question posed is where and whether if permit parking is necessary in some parts downtown.

“I think city staff, the mayor, residents and business owners agree that maybe one time it was appropriate, but now don’t see any reason why it’s appropriate to continue to have it this way,” said Public Works Director Joe Terry on Tuesday night in regards to some spots in the area.

However, Terry suggested that permit parking on First Ave. South between Johnson St. and W. Grand Ave. would benefit River Block employees that have nowhere else to park. Currently, that area is designated for ‘2 hour’ merchant parking.

City officials then agreed on keeping 10 spots on the front end of First Ave. South as permit parking, with the remaining nine spots turned into two-hour merchant parking. This would open up more convenient parking for River Block employees close by.

This agreement is on a month to month basis.