Oakmont officials keep business district parking restrictions in place

Oakmont officials announced the borough’s three-hour parking restriction along Allegheny River Boulevard will remain and will be enforced.

The issue came up at a July 6 workshop in response to social media chatter about borough police ticketing employees and owners near their shops in the business district.

“The complaints (we’re) getting (are), ‘Why can’t we park all day in front of our business?’” Councilwoman Nancy Ride said.

Borough Manager Scot Fodi said other businesses such as supermarkets and malls reserve the closest spots for customers, and that’s one of the goals of the parking restrictions.

“The goal is to have that three-hour changeover, where customers come in and out, because that essentially is our parking lot,” Fodi said. “I don’t see us doing any parking permit situation. I see that as being a total chaotic moment.”

Councilwoman Sophia Facaros recalled a time when businesses were encouraged to park along Allegheny Avenue and leave the whole boulevard for customers.

Mayor Christopher Whaley said few business district parking tickets were issued last year due to a lack of manpower, and some shops might have taken advantage of that.

Parking was limited to two hours in previous years, but was changed at the behest of the Oakmont Chamber of Commerce to allow more time to shop and receive services such as hair styling, council President Patricia Friday said.

After further discussion, borough leaders decided to keep everything in place.

Council members briefly discussed instituting a storm water management fee to help with potential flooding prevention projects.

They were considering a flat fee or some type of calculation based on residential and commercial properties.

No monetary figures were given, and council is not expected to take action on this matter at the July 20 voting session.

The July 6 meeting was held in council chambers as well as online to allow borough officials and residents to participate from home. The meeting was streamed on the borough’s YouTube channel.

Fodi said meetings are likely to stay that way due to increased restrictions on gatherings in Allegheny County as a result of rising covid-19 cases.

He said the borough building will still be open to the public. Visitors and employees must wear masks. Business is still preferred via phone or email if possible.