Plymouth Council continues to consider front yard parking
For a few months, the Plymouth Common Council has been considering the prohibition of parking in front yards. During the last council meeting, Mayor Mark Senter relayed some material that he received from communities around the country concerning the matter.
“Some are similar, some are different. It sounds like they try and sell this, obviously for the beautification of the neighborhood, but also for environment reasons. Cars leaking oil and antifreeze and whatever into the ground,” said Mayor Senter. He added that a few of the plans allowed the use of gravel or limestone, but most had vehicles parking on either concrete or asphalt. “This is going to be hard, I do believe, to get this through.”
The mayor went on to say that he has received strong comments from those that want parking on front yards to be prohibited and from those that do not. Council members agreed that they have
heard from both sides of the matter.
While he has heard from both sides as well, Council Member Don Ecker Jr. gave his thoughts on the matter. “I think the risk is when you allow those things to happen on grounds that is not prepared for oil leaks, transmission leaks, whatever. You do risk not only the environmental side of it, but you also risk de-valuing your property.” He also would like to hear from landlords that own multiple properties in the city about the matter.
Council Member Jeff Houin stated that because of the strong commentary from both sides, the council should take its time in making a decision.
Former Mayor of Delphi Randy Strasser had attended the Zoom meeting and gave his thoughts on the matter.
He said that, when he was in office, vehicles and trailers parked on the streets and on the lawns had to be registered and plated.
The Common Council did not make any decisions on the matter at that meeting and are continuing to consider it.
The next time that the council will meet will be on Monday, Dec. 14.