Weirton Traffic Commission studying parking concern at pocket park
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WEIRTON -- Members of the city's Traffic Commission are studying potential parking concerns along one of the community's "pocket parks."
Commissioners convened for their regular meeting with an agenda including a request to "Investigate potential safety concerns related to vehicles parking in the paved area at the corner of Miller Avenue and Colliers Way."
The request, from Ward 3 Councilman Jesse Keeder, was tabled while commissioners looked into the matter.
The intersection is the home of "Banner Park," a small public space featuring benches, a gazebo and a little library.
According to Public Works Director Allen Hess, it also has served as a bus stop for youth in the area.
Commissioner Bill Visnic noted he typically sees cars parked parallel to Colliers Way when individuals are at the park.
"I go through there all the time," Visnic said. "You can get three to four cars in there."
Commissioners, though, noted the concern appeared to be from some individuals parking perpendicular to Colliers Way, resulting in the need to back out onto the roadway.
Some suggested the installation of designated parking areas might alleviate the concern, as it would show the preferred method to visitors.
"We probably should have some striping," Commissioner Fred Marsh said.
Commission Chair Romie Castelli said he doesn't believe it's an issue of residents or neighborhood visitors causing the concern. Police Chief Charlie Kush reported he seldom sees any long-term parking at the park but agreed there is a danger for individuals choosing to park there in a way where they would have to back out onto Colliers Way.
Hess suggested the tabling to provide him and commissioners an opportunity to look into the matter further.
"It's been there 20 years," he said. "It's never been a problem."
In other matters before the Traffic Commission Thursday, members approved a request for a dedicated accessible parking space at 120 School St., to be marked as reserved parking for the address but not as a handicapped space.
City Clerk Kimberly Long explained the resident does not currently qualify for a dedicated handicapped parking space under city code, as he does not drive. Ward 6 Councilman Anthony Rocchio explained the individual is in the process of moving into the house, with renovations underway to accommodate his wheelchair.
A van or bus would pick up and drop off the resident, but Rocchio had concerns about it being able to properly access the area.
"There are a bunch of cars there," he said.
Commissioners also agreed to install a yellow, no-parking zone on the west side of Pleasantview Drive for a distance of 40 feet from the stop sign at the intersection of Culler Road.