The Municipal Services Committee of Appleton, Wisconsin, convened on August 11, 2025, to address community concerns regarding proposed street narrowing on West Oklahoma Street. The meeting featured residents voicing their opposition to the plan, citing issues related to parking, safety, and property values.

The first speaker, Sarah, highlighted the parking congestion on Oklahoma Street, arguing that narrowing the street could compromise safety for children who bike in the area. She suggested that alternative traffic calming measures, such as speed humps, should be considered instead. Sarah expressed concern over the potential loss of property values if parking were limited to one side of the street, emphasizing the importance of maintaining parking options for residents with multiple vehicles.

Sarah presented a petition signed by nearly 50 residents advocating for the preservation of the street's current width to ensure adequate parking. The petition noted that many homes in the older neighborhood have single-lane driveways and garages, necessitating street parking. Residents also pointed out that parking from nearby streets often spills onto Oklahoma Street, exacerbating the parking challenges.

Following Sarah, Maureen Wallenfang, a long-time resident, echoed the call to vote against the street narrowing. She referenced the Complete Streets plan, advocating for an option that would maintain wider streets. Wallenfang expressed frustration over the anticipated loss of trees and the financial burden of assessments for lateral connections, which she noted would not be covered by existing taxes.

Wallenfang proposed several alternatives to address parking issues, including extending two-hour parking limits on school days, implementing resident-only parking passes, and considering alternate side parking to facilitate municipal services like street sweeping and snow removal. She urged the committee to explore creative solutions that would accommodate both parking needs and the historical context of the neighborhood.

The meeting concluded with a clear message from residents: they are seeking a collaborative approach to address parking and safety concerns without sacrificing the character and functionality of their neighborhood. The committee will need to weigh these community voices as they move forward with their decision-making process.