Medina rescinds on-street parking ban on section of Ohio Street

Photos by Tom Rivers: Sarah Stornelli, a resident of Ohio Street, speaks during a public hearing on Monday and said an on-street parking ban was posing hardships to residents and their guests.

MEDINA – The Village Board on Monday rescinded a decision from Nov. 24 when Medina banned on-street parking on Ohio Street between Park Avenue and West Center Street.

Residents have been vocal at recent village meetings, saying the on-street parking ban has posed hardships on the affected residents and their guests, who often have to walk a couple blocks on uneven sidewalks when driveways are full.

The board held a public hearing on Monday about allowing on-street parking again, with vehicles allowed to park on the west side of the street for 525 feet of Ohio Street between Park Avenue and West Center Street.

Sarah Stornelli lives within the 500 block of Ohio Street. She said she and her family have to keep rearranging vehicles in the driveway because they can’t park a car in the street anymore.

The on-street parking ban makes it harder and dangerous for older people with mobility issues, she said.

Matt Anelli lives on Ohio Street and has pushed for the parking ban, including back in November when it was approved by the Village Board. He said Ohio Street is narrow, especially in the winter. If people park on the street it’s hard to get out of his driveway.

Jill Chudy also asked to rescind the parking ban due to the inconvenience for residents and their guests.

Mayor Debbie Padoleski read a petition signed by about 15 people asking for the parking ban to be rescinded. That petition was submitted by Patricia Stacey, who spoke at a board meeting last month about the challenges of no on-street parking.

The Village Board was unanimous in voting to put the on-street parking back the way it was. Medina will allow on-street parking on the west side of the street on Ohio, between Park Avenue and West Center Street.

Dave Berry suggested the Village Board make Ohio Street a one-way street and allow on-street parking.