Residents speak out about no parking on Ohio Street in Medina

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Village of Medina recently put up “No Parking” signs on Ohio Street and that has concerned many of the residents who don’t have big enough driveways for friends and family to stop by.

MEDINA – Signs recently went up on Ohio Street saying “No Parking” and that’s for both sides of the street.

The Village Board on Nov. 24 approved no parking on the street after a resident said people parking on the street often trapped him in his driveway and made it difficult to see and maneuver traffic.

But at Monday’s meeting, other residents said they didn’t know the no parking regulation was even being considered, or they would have spoken out at the public hearing.

Patricia Stacey said not allowing parking will force many older people who may have mobility issues to park on other streets and then walk to Ohio Street. Stacey said the sidewalks are in rough shape in parts of the area.

Stacey doesn’t have a garage or a double driveway so shifting around cars for her family will be a “nuisance” if they can’t park one briefly on the street.

“This is not New York City,” she said. “It’s Medina.”

Two other residents said the parking ban makes it difficult for them if they need to shuffle cars in their driveway and can’t park on the street.

Jessica Whitehair also submitted a petition to allow on-street parking on Ohio Street.

“This situation is particularly difficult for those living in apartments and households with limited driveway space,” she wrote in her petition. “The lack of street parking impacts the quality of life for many residents. Without easy access to parking, families may struggle with bringing groceries, lawn care, managing daily errands, or hosting social gatherings. The lack of street parking also compromises the safety of children as they are getting to and from vehicles and homes. Elderly and mobility-impaired residents are especially disadvantaged, as they might find it more difficult to walk from distant parking spots to their homes.”

Matt Anelli lives on Ohio Street and he supports the parking ban. 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, he said.

There used to be a 2-hour limit on the street, but those limits can be difficult to enforce, village officials said.

Fire Chief Steve Cooley said there shouldn’t be parking allowed close to the intersection on Ohio Street because cars in the street would make it difficult for fire trucks to make the turn.

The Village Board will have a new public hearing at 6 p.m. on June 22 to repeal the law passed in November and change the street to parking on the west side of the street only.