Tarentum to tow vehicles in no-parking zone

Motorists who park in a no-parking zone at the intersection of East Street and West 10th Avenue in Tarentum have run out of chances.

Moving forward, vehicles will be towed and violators will be responsible for costs.

“We’re having a problem with people not complying,” Mayor Bob Lang said.

“We have reminded them, and they’re still doing it. People are having trouble coming around that bend off Bakerstown (Road).”

The tight turn at that West Tarentum intersection makes for an especially difficult and potentially dangerous situation for emergency services and garbage trucks when they have to maneuver around parked cars. Traffic is forced to turn at West 10th because East Street becomes one-way after that point.

Delaying fire trucks and ambulances can affect response time and compromise public safety, officials said.

Curbs there have long been painted yellow. Borough police have reminded people, to no avail, that it is a no-parking zone, Lang said.

Borough Manager Dwight Boddorf said parking has always been prohibited there and that the borough is not removing parking spaces from residents.

“The safety of the borough and our residents is always our number one priority,” Council President Scott Dadowski said.

He said the area is one of the most heavily traveled in town.

“Many pedestrians and children walk that street on a daily basis,” Dadowski said. “Keeping that area free of parked vehicles is an easy way to ensure the safety of all who travel on the road or sidewalk.”

Lang issued a temporary mandate, for the next 45 days, to designate the area a towing zone.

Council is expected to consider making the change permanent. An ordinance will be drafted for council to consider during its meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

It will be up for vote in February.

Residents are encouraged to attend the meetings and offer feedback.

“Anything the borough can do to allow vehicles safe travel through that zone will be done,” Dadowski said.