Committee weighs restriping rather than widespread "Do Not Block Driveway" signs near North Fourth Street school

The Public Safety Committee on Jan. 7 discussed a resident complaint that vehicles frequently block a driveway on North Fourth Street across from Pierdont High School, sometimes forcing the resident to wait up to 30 minutes to leave.

Committee members said the location is congested during school pick-up and drop-off and reviewed options including installing "Do not block driveway" signs, restriping to mark parking spaces, and relying on police enforcement.

A council member who raised the referral told the committee a resident had repeatedly reported cars blocking the driveway and asked whether signage could help. Committee members and staff said enforcement by the police department is possible but noted that by the time officers arrive violators often have left. Several members said they worried that a proliferation of individual "do not block" signs could become unmanageable across the city.

Public works staff suggested restriping the block to mark parking spaces and visually block driveways once snow and spring conditions allow, and the committee generally endorsed that approach as a first step. A public works staff member said he would “get it” on the department’s spring restriping list. Committee members also said they will ask the resident to continue calling the police when a vehicle is blocking a driveway so officers can respond immediately.

No formal resolution or vote was taken on signage at the meeting; members agreed to pursue restriping and reassess later in the spring.

Committee members noted winter weather and snow cover reduce the effectiveness of painted markings and said they would revisit other options if restriping does not reduce the problem.