Civic Group, Councilman Rally Behind Manayunk Permit-Parking Bill

Hoping to curtail the nightmare scenarios that define Manayunk parking, City Council is considering a bill to create a permit-parking-only zone in part of the Wissahickon section.

Representing Manayunk and Roxborough Councilman Curtis Jones Jr.'s office, Shoshana Bricklin presented a plan to the Wissahickon Neighbors Civic Association Monday night to limit parking to permit holders only, thus tempering student, nightlife and out-of-state parkers.

"We're excited to break some new ground here. The [Philadelphia Parking Authority] has a way of doing things that doesn't work in every neighborhood. Manayunk is different, and it has a lot of different issues that we as a city should help handle," she said at Pilgrim Church.

If approved, residents would be required to purchase a $35-permit per vehicle to park within a special permit-only zone. According to the draft ordinance, the area is:

"Bounded on the north by Manayunk Avenue (north side only), on the east by Ridge Avenue (west side only), on the south by Cresson Street (both sides) and on the west by Shurs Lane (east side only) and West Salaignac Street."

Vehicles who park longer than 1-hour in posted areas without permits would be ticketed. Up to three vehicles per unit (including apartment buildings with three or less units) may register. To be eligible for the permit, proof of residence and vehicle registration at the Manayunk address are required—though exceptions exist.

Wissahickon Neighbors President Andrew Bantly heralded the councilman's office and the civic group's Traffic and Parking Committee for work on the proposed legislation.

"There's a lot going on here, and we have to try and contain it. These houses were not designed to have much more than one [parking] space per property... " he said. "This is very close to what we asked for. It's still a hot topic, and I think it's the worst it's ever been."

Though Bricklin indicated things look well, passage and implementation have a long way to go. After minor revisions are suggested by the Wissahickon Neighbors, the ordinance will be introduced Thursday. Then, the Committee on Street and Services (chaired by Democratic Councilman Frank DiCicco, with Jones on it) will take it up when it meets in late October. Bricklin suggested residents favoring the bill—or opposing it—should attend the hearing to offer the committee justifications.

If the committee refers it to council and the whole body approves it, the measure isn't law yet. To go into effect, 51 percent of residents within the area must sign a petition ratifying it. Each household (including properly zoned apartment units) receives one vote.

What differentiates this bill from other permit-parking neighborhoods is the creation of a district, Bricklin said. Usually, the parking authority requires 51 percent approval for individual blocks—not people in a defined, broader area.

"This is a customized bill. The PPA has one way to do things, but it doesn't work here. This bill tailor-makes it for you," she said.

Civic members in attendance voiced general approval as many had long requested this measure. Initially, Bantly sought passage over the summer to go into effect before the school year. However, Jan. 1 is now the target date—in time for the second semester for area colleges.

Civic member Kim Tinker supports the measure, but fears it will create havoc for neighbors outside the permit zone—like her.

"Once this is passed, people are just going to go to my block," she said.

Bricklin said the bill could be amended later, if it proved successful, to broaden its scope. 

With Manayunk being a hot spot for young professionals and students from area colleges, often multiple vehicles take up parking spaces for one property or apartment unit.

According to the bill, the city's Department of Licenses and Inspections could waive permanent residency requirements for temporary students who present a signed lease and proof of enrollment. Additionally, residents with company cars, registered out-of-state or elsewhere in the commonwealth, could be included.

Read the entire proposed bill in the attached document.