Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Staff Proposal to Install Parking Restrictions on Cherry Street for Cherry Street Community Garden Project - T.C. 25-101.
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publichearing
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From: Traffic Commission Chairman Khanh Nguyen
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Veronica Johnson, Management Analyst
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
The Traffic Commission recommends that the Mayor and City Council adopt a Resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA, PROVIDING FOR NO PARKING OR STOPPING AT A CERTAIN LOCATION ON THE EAST SIDE OF CHERRY STREET, NORTH OF WESTMINSTER BOULEVARD.”
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BACKGROUND
Staff presented this item at the Traffic Commission meeting on July 29, 2025. In December 2024, the Mayor and City Council approved the award of a contract for the construction of the Cherry Street Community Garden Project. The construction is complete, and the garden is scheduled to open in the Fall of 2025.
Staff proposed two-hour time limit on-street parking along Cherry Street adjacent to the Community Garden to ensure that parking and access to the Community Garden remain available to the public.
Staff added that due to the installation of a new driveway in front of the Community Garden, there is a remaining 10-foot curb segment between the driveway and the alley. The segment is not long enough for a standard vehicle to park without partially blocking the driveway or alley.
Staff’s recommendation was to approve the installation of 62 feet of two-hour time limit parking on the east and west side of Cherry Street at the Community Garden for a total distance of 124 feet. The subject timed parking would be in effect every day, including weekends and holidays.
Staff also recommended the installation of parking restrictions on the east side of Cherry Street, north of the alley, for a distance of 10 feet. Sufficient parking is available in the area; the restrictions will not have a negative impact on parking conditions.
Vice Chairman Lank asked how many vehicles would be impacted by the proposed timed parking and if there would still be parking available at the home at 13941 Cherry Street. Staff explained that the length of the timed parking equates to about six standard vehicles and that there would still be parking available in front of the home. It was asked if parking could be leased from private property and if alley parking would be allowed. It was clarified that parking in the alley is not allowed and leasing from private property is not being discussed at the moment.
Commissioner Cyril commented that residents park on the street. He questioned why parking would not be allowed on the concrete pads on-site at the outdoor dining area and commented that people would not pay for parking. It was stated that parking meters or pay parking was not being proposed. It was also explained that affected residents and businesses were notified of tonight’s meeting to voice their support or opposition to the proposed parking restrictions.
Chairman Nguyen commented that he did not foresee the proposed timed parking area to always be completely full.
Chairman Nguyen opened up the public hearing.
Javier Rodriguez, 13941 Cherry Street, stated his family uses the on-street parking for their four vehicles and that he has regularly observed parking issues at night.
It was clarified that parking in front of the home would not be impacted.
Vice Chairman Lank proposed limits on parking hours and days for the proposed timed parking. Commander Drinnin replied that the Vice Chairman’s proposal makes enforcement difficult.
Staff added that similar timed parking restrictions were installed for Mendez Tribute Monument Park prior to opening. The neighborhood is very similar to the subject area and there have been no reported issues or complaints.
Discussion ensued regarding the use of private parking lots, parking in the dining area, and how many lots have been rented.
Chairman Nguyen stated that parking should be provided for the Community Garden. He proposed starting with only one side of timed parking restrictions.
Vice Chairman Lank affirmed his support for providing parking for the Community Garden and reiterated that parking is not being restricted in front of residential homes.
Chairman Nguyen moved to install timed parking on the east side of Cherry Street, adjacent to the Community Garden, and parking restrictions on the east side of Cherry Street for 10 feet between the alley and the driveway. He stated that the City should provide parking for new developments for the public to use. The area can be reassessed at a future time when the outdoor dining area opens or is redeveloped. The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Lank.
Commissioner Cyril commented that the City should wait to see how successful the Community Garden is and what will happen with the outdoor dining area. Commissioner Cyril made a substitute motion to defer the installation of timed parking restrictions for three months after the opening of the Community Garden and install the 10 feet of parking restrictions on the east side of Cherry Street, north of the alley. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Gentile.
The substitute motion was carried by a 4-1 vote, with Vice Chairman Lank voting no.
Staff clarified that this item would be presented to the Traffic Commission sometime next year, or sooner if needed. This item will be recommended to the Mayor and City Council for approval.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
The installation of 10 feet of parking restrictions on the east side of Cherry Street, north of the alley, would prevent the blocking of the driveway or alley adjacent to the Cherry Street Community Garden. The proposed timed parking restrictions would be presented again to the Traffic Commission no sooner than three months after the opening of the Community Garden.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed Resolution
2. Traffic Commission Report dated July 29, 2025
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager