Councilman Wants Change To Street Parking Permit Process
By Mike Dunn
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A city councilman wants to make it a bit more difficult for Philadelphia neighborhoods to acquire residential parking permits, because the current system often invites mini-civil wars.
Permit parking on a block means that residents with a permit on their car can park for unlimited hours, but others must adhere to what is usually a two-hour time limit.
First District Councilman Mark Squilla says the question of whether a block should have a permit often proves difficult.
"Half the block wants it, the other half doesn't want it. And either way you do it, you have half the people mad at you."
That's because some prefer unlimited parking for when their friends and family visit. Right now, only a 51 percent majority of residents on a block is needed to approve a change from unlimited parking to permitted parking.
Squilla has introduced a bill that puts the approval level at 70 percent.
"Therefore, the majority of the block would definitely want that parking, and it would be fair for the residents in that area."
His measure will be debated in committee later this fall.
