Dec 7, 2016 3 min read

An ordinance approved Nov. 28 by Peters Township council might serve as more of a deterrent to drivers parking illegally.

“This ordinance does not change the fine for parking. It remains at $50,” township manager Paul Lauer explained. “What it does is increase the amount that will be due if you pay within 10 days, to $25.”

Previously, the amount due for early payment was just $5.

Council took action following reports of motorists persisting in pulling their vehicles onto the grass and other prohibited areas in Peterswood Park.

“It affects not only parking violations in the park, but all parking violations, whether it’s parking on the street overnight or parking in the fire lane,” Lauer said about the revised ordinance.

Street parking is banned between 2 and 6 a.m. and at all times in cul-de-sacs throughout the township.

“The other thing we’ll be doing is modifying our citations, so that they actually show the $50 fine and explain to you that if you pay early, it’s $25, as opposed to what we do now,” Lauer told council.

In other business at the Nov. 28 meeting:

• Council approved a development agreement for Primrose Schools of Acworth, Ga., to build a preschool on two acres at Waterdam and Galley roads.

In conjunction with the project, council also authorized applying to the state Department of Transportation for a traffic signal at the intersection.

During a discussion at a previous council meeting, at issue was whether the school could receive an occupancy permit at the project’s completion if the signal would not yet be functioning.

As per the agreement, Primrose is to post a bond in the amount of 10 percent of the cost of the traffic light, and based in that guarantee, the school will be able to occupy the building.

“In addition, if that signal is not operational, the township manager can modify the means of ingress and egress to the site until the signal is completed,” Lauer said.

No timetable has been announced for the project.

• Another ordinance approved by council addresses the removal of dead or dying trees. Previously, the township had jurisdiction only to take away trees that were within 100 feet of a structure.

“The problem is, many of the dead trees are sitting on the edge of the right of way and pose a danger to the public, as a result of falling onto communications or electric lines, or falling into the right of way,” Lauer said.