Pondering pavement instead of plantings

Is it better to allow folks to pave that narrow, city-owned stip of grass between the sidewalk and street, or to keep it green? That’s a question at the heart of a discussion in Coulee Dam’s town council, spurred by a request by a resident who wants to pave it.

At the last two council meetings May 9 and 23, the council has considered a request to remove the grass and pave that strip at 806 Tulip.

Councilmember Bob Poch recalled voting to allow it in another case many years ago, a permission he sees in hindsight as a mistake, resulting in poorer traffic visibility as large RVs parked on the concrete.

Councilmember Fred Netzel said he would be reluctant to take action on the issue without a written policy.

The council voted May 23 to instruct Town Clerk Stefani Bowden to collect suggestions from professional planners and from other towns on similar policies.