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Residents oppose proposed no‑parking zone on Otis Street; council discusses sidewalks as long‑term fix
Summary
Residents spoke against a proposed ordinance that would prohibit parking along segments of Otis Street. City staff and police recommended the ban for safety because sidewalks are missing; council members asked for further study of sidewalk additions and one‑way conversion before a final vote.
Two residents urged Sunbury City Council on April 16 to reject a proposed no‑parking ordinance for Otis Street, while staff and police said the restriction is intended to protect pedestrians near Reservoir Park where sidewalks are missing.
Resident Bridal Scholl, of 151 Otis Street, told council: "I just don't understand why he wants to make it a no parking all of a sudden. It doesn't prohibit vehicles or emergency vehicles because somebody parks there." Sam Paul, of 152 Otis Street, added: "I don't really like the idea that they're gonna consider putting in no parking." Both speakers said on‑street parking in the area has been used for years without causing blockages.
City Administrator Daryl P. Hennessy said staff is recommending the ordinance amendment (Ordinance 2025.16) to prohibit parking on both sides of Otis Street from Harrison Street to Sedgwick Avenue. Hennessy told council the recommendation rests on two factors: the roadway currently lacks sidewalks on the segment serving Reservoir Park, and the street itself is narrow (about a 20‑foot roadway, roughly 10‑foot travel lanes), so parked cars reduce usable roadway and force pedestrians into traffic.
Police Chief Howard said officers visited the area on multiple days and observed pedestrians, including a parent with a stroller, forced into the roadway to pass parked vehicles: "They had to come out into the roadway pushing the kids to get past the vehicle that was parked there." He said the department supports the staff recommendation but noted there had been only one formal complaint tied to the location.
Council discussion focused on alternatives and process. Several members said installing sidewalks to provide a permanent pedestrian route would address the safety concern, and others asked staff to analyze whether converting the street to one‑way traffic would reduce conflicts while preserving some on‑street parking. Hennessy said staff had contacted the complainant and that residents along the block appeared to have off‑street parking available. The ordinance was introduced at first reading only; no final vote occurred at this meeting.
Clarifying details - Ordinance: 2025.16 — proposes amendment to Sunbury Codified Ordinance 3.51.16 to prohibit parking on Otis Street between Harrison Street and Sedgwick Avenue (first reading, no final action). - Staff recommendation: Prohibit parking on both sides of the specified Otis Street segments due to lack of sidewalks and narrow roadway. - Complaints: Staff reported one direct parking complaint prompted the review; police also performed site visits.
Ending: Council asked staff for additional analysis (sidewalk feasibility and one‑way conversion implications) and to report back before a second reading.
