JZ71 says:

The “Emergency” restrictions are likely there for a special event, most likely this weekend's Race for a Cure (see the specific details posted). The bigger-picture question, the random irrationality of our parking restrictions, not just downtown, but across the city, is just a classic case of bureaucratic inertia. There was a reason, likey 20 or 30 years ago, why some restriction made sense. That reason could have, and likely has, changed, but no one has been motivated to relook at the situation. Should they/we? Yes. Will they/we? Likely not – taking a comprehensive look would require spending money on a study, “money that we don't have”. So, instead, we continue to have meters on S. Kingshighway, in places where significant retail is long gone.

Finally, don't get too worked up about the redundant No Parking signs. Someone was told to put the temporary signs on both sides of the street, and they did. They learned, long ago, that they're not paid to think. They do what they're told, and they keep their job and collect a staedy paycheck. Their boss probably just took the easy way out, too, and instead of doing a careful analysis, just said to make sure both sides of the street are covered. And I really don't have a problem with that – paper is cheap, and it's better to err on the side of redundancy and efficiency.