EAGLE, Idaho — The City of Eagle and the Idaho Transportation Department recently designated the eastern shoulder of Eagle Road as a "no parking zone" with the hopes of decreasing injury accidents in the area.
The shoulder, which is located between Island Woods and the north channel of the Boise River, has long been used by those wishing to easily access the Eagle portion of the Greenbelt. Officers started posting the new no-parking signs in early March.
Now, those parking along the shoulder will receive bright orange warning stickers.
Watch to learn more about the new Eagle Rd parking rules.
Eagle Administration Sergeant Justin Elliot said the department is currently focusing on education. When officers approach a vehicle parked in the restricted zone, they log the license plate, check to see if the vehicle is stolen, and then place the bright orange sticker on the back window.
"It's not a real citation. It is just a warning. That's one thing I do want to emphasize," Elliot said.
Repeat offenders may be subject to citation. "We're starting to run into some repeat violators, and that's where the enforcement comes into play," Elliot said, noting that enforcement will depend on how often drivers violate the rules as the weather gets warmer and the Greenbelt sees more visitors this summer.
Eagle Police are recommending Greenbelt users park their vehicles at Pamela Baker Park or Reid Merrill Park, both of which offer free parking. However, the walk to get to the Greenbelt from those locations will be a little longer, taking about 36 minutes from Pamela Baker Park to Island Woods.
Another option is Mace Park, located across Eagle Road from the no-parking zone, which connects directly to the Greenbelt.
"It provides a safer area for people and kiddos and dogs to get out so that we can safely get on the green belt and then go have a good time," Elliot said.
They also advise the public not to park in private lots and respect local businesses.
The parking changes are raising concerns for frequent Greenbelt visitors. Eagle neighbor Jenny Amante, who walks her dogs along the path several times a week, said losing the spaces on the east side of Eagle Road will put even more pressure on a recently added parking lot.
"Gonna be problematic because this parking lot is really full already, particularly on the weekends," Amante said. "That was with all the parking over there still available, so I don't see how this is gonna work."
Amante said she understands the growing pains, but worries about the impact on residents.
"I love Eagle, of course, Eagle's a wonderful place, and that's why it's getting so crowded, and that's why these parking issues are gonna become more of an issue as time goes on," Amante said.
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