Issues_OvernightParkingCornell

John Webster
A Strong Voice for Ward Five

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Extention of Overnight Parking in Cornell

Report to: General Committee

SUBJECT: Cornell Overnight Parking Permit Program – Phase 3

RECOMMENDATION:

That the report entitled “Cornell Overnight Parking Permit Program – Phase 3” be received;

And that no further action be taken on this initiative and the Overnight Parking Permit Program not be expanded beyond its existing boundaries within the Cornell community;

And that Staff be authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to this resolution.

PURPOSE:

To provide Council with Cornell resident feedback relating to the proposed extension of the Overnight Parking Permit Program and to recommend that no further action be taken based on the results of this initiative.

BACKGROUND:

Overnight parking is prohibited on Town streets between 2:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. The prohibition is in place to:

Provide timely access for emergency vehicles;
Allow safe and efficient movement of traffic;
Provide unobstructed snow removal and road maintenance;
Allow for building and street infrastructure access;
Maintain community design standards; and
Improve community security.

However, there are areas and streets in Markham that are exempt from the above-noted overnight parking prohibition. They include designated streets in the majority of the Cornell subdivision, the Thornhill area, and within the Angus Glen subdivision. Within these areas, overnight parking is permitted if the vehicle has a paid parking permit displayed.

In Markham, the new urbanism form of development originated in the Cornell and Angus Glen subdivisions. This new form of development presented parking problems to some residents who were accustomed to having more parking spaces available to them on more traditional lots. The homes are serviced by a rear laneway system and as a result there are no driveways at the front of the homes in which to park vehicles. A number of residents began parking on the street overnight and were ticketed accordingly. Impacted residents approached the Town for a solution to their problem.

In response, an Overnight Parking Permit Program was introduced within the Cornell and Angus Glen subdivisions. The program provides viable parking alternatives to residents who may own more cars than the parking spaces available and at the same time takes into consideration the interests of those opposed to overnight on-street parking. The System has been proven to be very successful in both communities. Currently the Town is averaging 25 permit per month in Cornell and 56 permits per month in Angus Glen.

The streets within the residential areas of Upper Cornell and Grand Cornell are not currently designated for Overnight Parking in Parking By-law 2005-188. These two communities received a combined average of 82 infractions per month for overnight street parking. A total of 142 Tags were issued for overnight parking infractions in September 2007. The set fine for an overnight street parking infraction is $35.00.

OPTIONS/ DISCUSSION:

Impacted residents in these areas have approached the Town to address the lack of available parking. In response, area residents received a letter outlining the proposal to expand the Overnight Parking Permit Program into their neighbourhood and were asked to provide feedback regarding the issue.

The following chart contains a consolidation of feedback from residents:

Feedback In Favour	Feedback Not In Favour
Managing parking for families with an excess of 2 and 3 vehicles is unmanageable.	Streets with permitted vehicle parking are more cluttered and less attractive.
The program has the potential to deter people from parking on the street due to the associated fee.	Homes were purchased with a detached garage in the back under the impression that there would be little vehicle traffic and no parking on the street in front at any time.
The program may prompt residents to utilize their garage for housing their vehicle rather than storage.	Streets with no vehicle parking increase a sense of security within the community.
Lack of parking for guests who stay for an extended time period.	The program will encourage people to rent out rooms and basements.
The program will save families from having to relocate outside of Cornell.	The program encourages the misuse of garage space.

A total of 1256 letters were mailed to area residents. Staff received 44 responses to this letter via E-mail and telephone. Of the 44 responses, 30 residents indicated they were not in support and 14 residents indicated they were in support of the proposal.

Based on the direction indicated by residents, who responded 68% not in support of going forward with this proposal, Staff recommends that no further action be taken and the Overnight Parking Permit Program not be expanded beyond its existing boundaries within the Cornell community.

The implementation of the Overnight Parking Permit Program in specific sections of Cornell and Angus Glen subdivisions has proved to reduce the number of vehicles parked overnight on streets while balancing the interests of both those opposed to overnight parking and those in favour. Staff will continue to monitor the area and track the volume of vehicles parked overnight and continue to ensure that safety due to on-street parking is not compromised.

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