Municipal News

Last Updated on Wednesday, 29 July 2015 19:13

By J.R. Brower

As more and more streets are tested out for one-sided street parking, several outspoken residents appeared before Canonsburg Borough Council on July 13 to voice their opinions on the matter.

In an effort to make narrow streets more easily drivable, particularly during emergencies, the borough began planning last year to convert sections of streets, particularly in the east end, from two-sided to one-sided parking. Streets already in progress on the switched-parking proposals include Giffen, Duquesne and, most recently, Chartiers Avenues.

Council has remained quite flexible in their efforts, allowing for 90-day trial periods during which time residents are encouraged to offer feedback on traffic issues when patterns are switched. An example is a section of Giffen Avenue (the 300 to 500 blocks), where one-sided parking was switched in June from the north side of the street to the south side. As a result, more actual parking spaces were freed up, and several handicapped residents were better accommodated.

Two homeowners who reside on Chartiers Avenue voiced their grievances on the plan during public comments at the July 13 council meeting. First, Frank Tatano, called the plan “one big mess” since its trial period began in June. He said that now, as the result of the switch, there are simply very few spaces left in which to park on his south side of his street. He said that most of the time he can no longer park in front of his house particularly in the evening.

“As far as having guests and family members visit my house, forget it,” Tatano told council. “I really feel like my civil rights are being violated.” He gave more reasons, too, most related to inconvenience, as to why he opposed the plan.

Council President John Bevec reiterated, “The plan is to make the roads passable in emergency situations.” Council Vice-President Rich Russo echoed the same sentiments, adding that the proposal stresses give and take between the borough and the residents who are affected by the street parking changes.

Tatano expressed similar experiences to residents of Giffen Avenue, who complained several months ago to council that they no longer can have get-togethers at their homes due to lack of parking. “There are simply no places for my family and friends to park around the area of my house,” he said.

Another Chartiers Avenue resident, Patrick Stewart, expressed similar sentiments but added a twist. He was recently ticketed by the borough for running an extension cord across the sidewalk from his truck to his house to charge a battery. Council heard out Stewart’s well-spoken presentation and sympathized to the point that they agreed to drop the $1,200 citation for the errant extension cord.

In other business, Canonsburg Borough Council:

Updated Washington County Aging Services Director Mary Lynn Spilak on the current status regarding interior and exterior repairs on the Senior Citizens Center. Among the renovations needed most at the center are roof repairs and a new furnace.
Awarded the 2015 road paving contract to the Russell Standard Company based upon the borough engineer’s recommendation. Bevec told council and those present that by the second week of August, the official paving schedule will be prepared and submitted.
Heard from a representative from the Youth for Christ organization that the Canonsburg Hopefest will be held on Saturday, September 26 from 12 PM to 6 PM at the Armory Youth Center (formerly the National Guard Armory) located at 16 W College Avenue with a subsequent event on the following Saturday, October 3. The events will include youth sports like soccer, volleyball and basketball as well as homework tutoring. Appearing will be motorcycle and BMX stunt riders on blocked off streets near the Armory.
Accepted the annual PennDot maintenance agreement as well as a resolution making the Canonsburg Houston Joint Sanitary Authority a cooperative operating authority per an agreement with Chartiers Township.
Considered the hiring of Lonnie Rudnisky to replace treatment Plant Surpervisor James Dellorso. Rudnisky is among three candidates considered out of the 13 who applied for manager of the treatment plant. A discussion of Rudnisky revealed that although he has his operating license to run the plant, his residence is well beyond the southern border of Canonsburg Borough.
Continued the discussion of what to do with the 11-acre parcel the borough owns, which is located in Cecil Township and borders Canonsburg’s East End with a right-of-way through Southpointe Business Park. Several East End residents again voiced their opposition of making the parcel accessible through their neighborhood.