Mar 4, 2015 2 min read

Canonsburg volunteer firefighters sometimes find themselves in a tight spot – literally. While responding to a recent call on Duquesne Avenue, a narrow road on which parking is permitted on both sides, a fire truck driver had to keep backing up and pulling forward just so firefighters had enough room to open the doors.

“Time is of the essence in an emergency,” said Mayor Dave Rhome, who also is a firefighter.

Canonsburg Borough officials want to address public safety concerns by gradually tackling a list of 23 streets that could benefit from parking restrictions. Council has begun to limit parking to just one side of the street in certain areas on a 90-day trial basis, with the option of permanent implementation if it’s successful.

Parking on South Jefferson Avenue was the first to be addressed, followed by a section of Second Street between Highland Avenue and Gladden Road. Rhome said both of those were successful, and council plans to vote next Monday on a proposal to restrict parking to one side of Giffin Avenue in the 400 and 500 blocks.

In addition to allowing emergency responders more wiggle room, Rhome said the parking restrictions also help public works crews clear snowy roads in the winter.

“I’ve been in the front seat of that truck this past winter and winters before, and I’ll tell you there might be inches of clearance on both sides,” Rhome said.

Borough police also plan to crack down on drivers parked on curbs, which council says damages sidewalks and endangers pedestrians.

Rhome said council is offering an incentive to homeowners on affected streets who may want to construct a garage.

The borough will waive permit fees, which can cost between $50 and $100.

Council also hopes to attract more businesses to the downtown district by lowering meter fees. It’s a work in progress, and half of the meters have been recalibrated so that a quarter reserves one’s spot for an hour instead of 30 minutes.

Rhome said there may be some pushback against the on-street parking restrictions, but he said officials believe it’s in the best interest of the town.

“Until the residents start to see that it can work and it can beautify the neighborhood, I think there is concern,” he said.

“Change is difficult, but I believe change for this is in the right direction for the safety of our community.”