City tackles parking chaos near Baylor High School

Residents near Baylor High School have raised concerns about persistent parking issues, prompting discussions at a recent government meeting. The primary problem identified is the excessive number of vehicles parked in the area, particularly during school hours, which has led to congestion and safety concerns during student pick-up and drop-off times.

The meeting revealed that an initial proposal to adjust parking restrictions from 8 AM to 9 AM to a later time of 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM was met with mixed reactions. Some residents expressed support for eliminating the no-parking rule from 1 PM to 2 PM, which was originally implemented to prevent students from parking all afternoon after returning from lunch.

Cindy DeHart, a resident present at the meeting, emphasized the importance of addressing these parking challenges, highlighting that the decision ultimately rested with the police chief. The chief acknowledged the ongoing issues, noting that while there is an annual fee for the high school parking garage, it remains unclear why students are not utilizing it more frequently.

In response to community inquiries about enforcement, the chief explained that a progressive enforcement strategy is in place. Initially, warning notices are issued for improperly parked vehicles during the first week of school, followed by ticketing in subsequent weeks for repeat violations. This approach aims to encourage compliance and alleviate the parking situation around the school.

The discussions reflect a broader concern among residents about the impact of parking on their neighborhood and the need for effective solutions to enhance safety and accessibility during school hours.