Thanks to our Neighbors & Papillion

When our parking proposal went before the City Planning Commission, three of our neighbors expressed their concern for the intersection of 6th street & Washington (Cornhusker & 84th). When cars are facing west and want to turn south, it can be difficult to see any oncoming traffic. They also expressed that drivers can be so concerned about traffic that they don't see pedestrians.

We agreed.

Because Washington Street in Papillion (84th Street) is a state highway, the City of Papillion can not do anything here except bring concerns to the state -- which they did very well. After some dialogue, they had the state agree to two changes.

First, you may have noticed that the timing on the timing on the west bound intersection has been changed on Sunday mornings so it stays green longer between Masses to help move traffic out.

Secondly, the state has agreed with the city that there should be a left turn only signal at this intersection. It had been added to a list of projects for the state. We may not see the signal for 8-10 months, but it will be coming.

Thank you City of Papillion & Neighbors!

First Parking Hurdle Cleared

On Wednesday the City of Papillion Planning Commission unanimously approved our parking plan. We want to thank the many Papillion residents who came to the meeting to express their opinion.

Some of our neighbors spoke urging the City to look at the stoplight at the corner of 6th Street and Washington (Cornhusker & 84th Street). The concern they expressed was that when driving west, not only is it difficult to see if any east bound traffic is coming up the hill, drivers tend to be so concerned about oncoming traffic that they don't pay attention to pedestrians crossing. They would like there to be a left turn signal. It is a concern we share. Unfortunately this is not up to the City of Papillion as Washington (84th) street is a state highway and the light is controlled by the state.

In addition, some neighbors were concerned that parishioners who turn into the west parking lot cause trouble with cars backing up behind them and urged us to ask parishioners to enter the parking lot by the east entrance. We are happy to do that, though we think that issue will be resolved by our parking plan.

While the next step is to go to the City Council, we want to continue to work with residents to address their concerns. We are commanded to be good neighbors.

Our Parking Plan: Next Steps

Over the last year the parish has been able to purchase the four homes to our east.

There is  currently 1 parking space for every 4.4 people at Sunday Masses. Papillion ordinances say there should be one for every 4 people. Many new churches provide one parking spot for every 2-3 worshipers. Under our proposed plan, there would be 1 parking spot for every 2.9 people.

But flow through the parking lot is as important as the number of parking places. That's why this plan expands the number of lanes into our parking lot from 1 to 3 and the number of exit lanes from 2 to 6. We would also like to work with the city to add a turning lane to improve safety.

Our plan goes before the City of Papillion Planning Commission Wednesday at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

One of our neighbors has let us know she is planning to be at the meeting to oppose our plan. We would welcome anyone who would like to attend the meeting to support the plan - particularly if you are a Papillion resident.

After the Planning Commission makes their recommendation, it goes to the City Council. If all goes smooth, the quickest it could be approved is mid December.