Residents urge review after 'no-parking' changes on Murray Avenue; council asks traffic division to recheck

Residents used the public-comment period to press the council to re-examine recent parking changes near Maple and Murray avenues that, they said, have caused traffic backups and access problems for several homes.

A Maple Avenue resident said the change has affected four homes and created repeated backups, describing instances when drivers could not pass and saying the change 'took away' nearby parking that family members relied on. Another commenter identified themselves as handicapped and said they now must walk farther, including on icy sidewalks, which raises safety concerns. Multiple speakers said the signs appeared 'overnight' with no notification or warning letters from the borough or traffic division.

Speakers also pointed to patterns that increase congestion — including school or shuttle buses that turn from Naples onto Murray and wait in the street — and suggested possible remedies such as converting a stretch to one-way traffic. Following the comments, a council speaker asked the chief of traffic safety to review the intersection again and the mayor/meeting acknowledged a follow-up would be pursued.

Why it matters: Changes to parking or traffic controls can affect emergency access, pedestrian safety and the mobility of residents who rely on nearby on-street parking. Residents described impacts on vulnerable people and urged a prompt administrative review.

What to watch for: The transcript records a request for the traffic division to revisit the intersection; residents should expect staff follow-up, and the issue may reappear on an agenda if the council directs formal study or a change in signage.