Those parking on residential streets in Athens might soon be able to leave their cars on the road for longer than 24 hours, but students might not reap the benefits of that change.
Joan Kraynanski, a member of the West Side Community Association, spoke to City Council on Monday night proposing a new system that would allow exemptions to the 24-hour parking rule. As of now, vehicles must be moved every day or owners will be issued parking tickets.
Kraynanski pointed out the challenges present to certain groups of people who have to move their car every day, giving an anecdote about a mother with a baby who moved houses because it became to much of a hassle to move the car daily.
“We need a system that will serve to reduce parking restriction to residents in geographically challenged neighborhoods and thus promote the general public welfare,” Kraynanski said.
The exemptions would only be available to certain neighborhoods — including parts of the West Side and North Side. Kraynanski said the system would primarily focus on areas that are hilly or don't have off-street parking, though Service-Safety Director Paula Horan-Mosley pointed out that one of the proposed neighborhoods was the one in which Kraynanski resides.
Kraynanski suggested that households could pay to fill out an application and if approved, up to two permits per household could be assigned.
Councilman Kent Butler, D-1st Ward, was in favor of Kraynanski's proposal.
“I have heard complaints from citizens about this very issue," Butler said. "I think it's worthwhile to proceed and move forward."
Councilman Pat McGee, I-At Large, expressed hesitation that some residents might abuse their passes by never moving their cars, but council members said they would be willing to attempt a pilot program.
Council members also discussed opting out of a new state law that could potentially allow slow moving vehicles on city streets where the speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less.
The law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2017 so council members are aiming to pass a resolution in December, before leaving for the holiday season.
Councilman Peter Kostes, D-At Large said it’s important to work with the university on passing a resolution because of the potential impact it could have on Ohio University.
“OU uses these kinds of vehicles so it is necessary that they are included in these discussions so they don’t have to replace them,” he said.
Councilwoman Jennifer Cochran, D-At Large, said some of her concerns about the law were alleviated because all-terrain vehicles are not included under the law, but she she is still worried about young drivers.
“My concern is now limiting the age of drivers who are driving these vehicles,” she said. “I wouldn’t want to see people who aren’t of age to be legally licensed driving these low-speed vehicles.”
Joseph Lalley, senior associate vice president for IT and Administrative Services at OU, echoed Kostes calls for cooperation.
“The university owns 50 utility vehicles such as golf carts that we use for special events such as homecoming," he said. "We are looking forward to working on this with you to find a solution that works for everyone."
