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City may restrict parking near schools

WEIRTON — The City of Weirton could be restricting parking at certain times of the day in one city neighborhood, to better accommodate traffic at the end of the school day.

The city’s Traffic Commission, Wednesday, discussed a request concerning parking on Elaine Street and Park Avenue, in particular when students are being picked up from St. Joseph the Worker Grade School and Weirton Madonna High School.

“They’ve changed their loading procedures,” Ward 3 Councilman Fred Marsh explained, noting there have been issues of cars being parked two or three wide in some areas while parents are waiting for their children.

The parking has affected traffic flow on Park Avenue, Elaine Street and Deya Street, Marsh said.

“It came to a head when an ambulance responded to a house on Park Avenue, and they wouldn’t move,” Marsh said.

Police Chief Rob Alexander noted a teacher from St. Joseph has been attempting to alleviate the problem by directing traffic, but a more permanent solution will be needed.

“Without some type of signage, it’s going to be confusing,” Alexander said.

Commission members Dave Guglielmo and Douglas Branham said they both have visited the area, and agree something is needed.

“I’m sure it’s going to be more exasperating when the snow flies,” Guglielmo said.

Guglielmo said additional congestion occurs two days each week as a result of classes at West Virginia Northern Community College.

Under the proposal, three signs will be placed on Park Avenue, and three signs will be placed on Elaine Street, to note the areas where parking will not be allowed. The restriction will be in place only from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The ordinance next will have to go before Weirton Council for its consideration.

In other business, the commission agreed to issue a work order to repaint existing yellow lines at the intersection of Hillcrest Street and Beech Road. Ward 6 Councilman Enzo Fracasso had requested the area be discussed because of parking issues.

It was noted a no parking zone already had been established, but the paint had faded.

The commission also agreed to amend a previously approved policy concerning disability placards issued by the city. Such placards will now be effective for five years, with officials noting that better lines up with state Division of Motor Vehicles policies.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)

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