Committee tables expansion of residential permit parking pending enforcement results

The Safety Committee discussed whether to expand the city’s residential permit parking program to additional streets near schools and John Carroll University, but members decided on April 7 to table changes until the city evaluates enforcement and recent code amendments.

Councilmember Mr. Cooney outlined a proposal to add several streets to the permit program — including University Parkway, Milton Road, Bromley Road, Carroll Boulevard and portions of South Boulevard — citing complaints about daytime parking near schools and the university. “I was there on September ... and I took a minute by minute account ... there was no safety concern,” Councilmember Miss Saks said after conducting on‑site observations; she recommended on‑the‑ground checks before expanding restrictions.

Several councilmembers, including Miss Weiser and the Vice Mayor, argued that the existing permit program has limited effectiveness and that enforcement of items one and two (towing rules and fines) should be strengthened before adding more restricted streets. Miss Weiser observed that permit parking can effectively restrict public access to streets, which she said requires careful consideration.

The committee consensus was to pause and reengage residents if and when the city chooses to reopen the permit boundaries: staff were asked not to advance the ordinance at this time and to prioritize enforcement outcomes from the towing and fines work already under review.