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Council tables proposed parking limits near school after resident opposition
Summary
The Johnstown Common Council tabled Ordinance #4 after a resident raised concerns that removing street parking near the school would harm residents, complicate school events and that the school district opposed the change; the council said it would seek direct input from the district before moving forward.
The Johnstown Common Council on May 18 tabled Ordinance #4, which would have designated streets near the local school as no-parking zones, after a public hearing in which a resident objected to the proposal.
Colleen Ioele-DeCristofaro, a Pleasant Avenue resident, told the council she opposed removing parking along a four-to-five-block stretch near the school, saying parents have begun parking and walking children into school rather than using the drop-off loops and that the proposal would negatively affect residents and visitors during school events. She also raised concerns about the absence of crossing guards in the immediate area and questioned the number and placement of proposed no-parking signs. The minutes note she reported that members of the school administration and school board had told her they did not view the ordinance as the best long-term solution.
On a motion by Council Member Bradley Hayner, seconded by Council Member Eric Parker, the council voted to table the ordinance and asked staff to consult directly with the school district about its concerns and plans before resuming action. The motion carried with five ayes and no opposing votes.
Why it matters: The proposed changes would remove curbside parking used by families during drop-off, school events and holiday programs and could shift parking pressure to nearby residential streets. Council members signaled they prefer to consider the school district's input before adopting a rule that affects student arrival patterns and neighborhood parking.
Next steps: The council’s recorded action says the ordinance is tabled pending further information from the school district; no new date for reconsideration was provided in the meeting minutes.
