Homeowners in Mallard Pointe will have an opportunity to express their views to the Mount Vernon City Council on October 27 regarding a proposal to limit parking to one side of the street. This feedback session will occur before council members decide whether to implement the restriction.
"Yeah, I did drive out there one day after either over the lunch hour or after work, specifically after this first came up, and it is not easy to get through there. There were cars on both sides," said Council member Mel Severns during the October 13 meeting, as captured in a YouTube video recording.
According to Safety-Service Director Tanner Salyers, this concern was raised by Mallard Pointe residents who requested parking be restricted to one side of the street. The homeowners' association informed the city about issues with postal service deliveries due to parked vehicles. Salyers said that a 60-day temporary trial was initiated to assess the feasibility of such a restriction, choosing to limit parking on the side opposite mailboxes.
Salyers explained that discussions took place with city service departments and emergency services to evaluate if emergency vehicles could navigate through streets with vehicles parked on both sides. The departments indicated significant difficulty for large emergency vehicles like ladder trucks. While salting the street is possible, maneuvering would remain challenging.
The homeowners' association pointed out that off-street parking is available in driveways and garages, prompting them to advocate for restricted street parking. This led to the 60-day trial period. Salyers noted that during this trial, enforcement measures such as ticketing are not possible unless signs are posted or curbs painted.
Salyers expressed reluctance to post signs before a council decision, stating it would be inefficient if they later voted against the restriction. He emphasized that all Mallard Pointe residents should have their voices heard and mentioned that letters were sent prior to each reading of the proposed ordinance, encouraging participation in these sessions.
