Politics & Government

PPA Not In Wissahickon... But Soon

Civic reports increased ticketing should occur shortly in neighborhood.

Though increased ticketing for motorists parked in Wissahickon was delayed due to the weather and other causes, a civic leader said Monday it should start shortly.

Members of the Wissahickon Neighbors Civic Association grabbed bundles of letters for residents intended to warn them of more vigilant overnight ticketing by the Philadelphia Parking Authority. Originally, the civic expected a careful watch to start by late January to enforce rules on sidewalk parking, vehicles restricting turns down narrow streets and fire hydrant blockage—among others.

However bad weather and personal matters impacted implementation. President Andrew Bantly explained the delay at the group's Pilgrim Church meeting.

Find out what's happening in Roxborough-Manayunkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"I think if we started this during the snowstorm, people would have come at me with pitchforks, and I wouldn't be here tonight," he said.

With snow finally melting, Bantly gave the PPA the civic's official recommendation. After a letter of support from Councilman Curtis Jones Jr. (D-4th) goes through, the PPA could start advanced ticketing as early as late February.

Find out what's happening in Roxborough-Manayunkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The civic to create a permit-parking district in the Wissahickon area through a City Council bill. within the Streets and Services Committee, the PPA requested time to document the situation and possibly avoid legislation.

Bantly said permit parking is still his ultimate goal, but concerns regarding costs (a permit would have an annual price) have emerged.

In a two-page letter to be distributed to impacted resident, Bantly said:

"After surveying the number and frequency of violations in our area, the PPA informed us that our area has one of the worst parking problems they have seen in the city!... 

"No matter what program is eventually put into place, the PPA must take action first. But until a form of residential permit-parking is in place patrons of Main Street and other long-term visitors will continue to take away legal parking spaces from residents."

Since discussions with the PPA occurred, Bantly reported increased ticketing from the 5th District of the Philadelphia Police Department. Ultimately, the PPA will monitor the overnight enforcement proposed.

Both the ticketing and permit parking are proposed in Wissahickon, "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," according to legislation.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here