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University Parkway no-parking signs prompt resident push for 60–90 day pause and executive-session review
Summary
Council debated no-parking signs placed on University Parkway, a mayoral recusal and threatened-litigation executive session, and public pleas for a temporary pause to let neighbors and a synagogue negotiate; the administration agreed to consider a temporary suspension and report back.
A contentious discussion over recently installed no-parking signs on University Parkway dominated part of the March 3 meeting.
Mayor Brennan said the signs were installed after resident complaints and contended the situation involves a religious congregation operating without a special‑use permit. The Mayor urged enforcement of a cease-and-desist if the congregation did not obtain proper zoning authorization. During the meeting the Mayor also raised a potential conflict involving Vice Mayor Michele Weiss and asked that she recuse herself; Vice Mayor Weiss stated on the record she had no conflict but recused and handed the discussion to Pro Tem John Rach.
Council voted to enter executive session to discuss threatened litigation related to the matter; an executive session occurred and Council returned to the public meeting. After returning, Council voted to accept audience comments specific to the agenda item and capped comments at five minutes each.
Two residents spoke during public comment. Mr. Ginsburg (4339 University Parkway) described safety and access impacts when most of the block is limited to no parking, saying neighbors’ guests struggled to park during an event. Dr. Ekstein (4341 University Parkway) urged a neighborhood dialogue and proposed a 90‑day suspension of enforcement to give residents and the synagogue an opportunity to negotiate a more orderly resolution; he noted traffic is light on Fridays and Saturdays but that other days present conflicts.
Council did not adopt an ordinance or immediate procedural change at the meeting. Mayor Brennan said he was “open to considering” a temporary pause and would speak with neighbors, but declined to commit that evening. Council requested that the administration report back with a decision or recommendation before the next meeting so Council could consider next steps. The Safety Committee and Building/Law staff were directed to continue work on options including permit/parking alternatives, and Council discussed possible temporary measures (60–90 day pause or limited-time restrictions) as a way to de-escalate the dispute.
Next steps: the Mayor’s office will speak with involved residents and return to Council with a recommendation; Council members asked for an update in the coming days to inform potential follow-up legislation or enforcement actions.
