Planning commissioners grant front-yard parking variance, urge discussion

So, this is an unlawful variance. The regulations themselves cannot cause the “practical difficulty.” There has to be something unique to the property, different than other similarly situated properties. There is nothing. In approving this variance, how is the Commission to handle similar applications? They would have to be approved, as precedence has been set.

I own the house next to the Jilek’s. The city does not enforce this ordinance as they say. The statistics speak for themselves.

We also have a community center in our block that the city provides inadequate parking for. The Lower Chester ice rink provides only on-street parking and does not have a parking lot. Every other community club provides a parking lot except for Portman. The difference with Portman is that businesses nearby help ease the parking situation. These parking lots are open when Portman needs parking. Lower Chester not only fills the streets, but they frequently park on both sides.

I talked to the fire chief and he does not support the ordinance as they say. They want the streets clear. When asked about parking in the front yard, he noted that the fire department can still access a house around parked cars. They definitely cannot help adequately when the roads are blocked.

Our neighborhood has a parking issue. Not because of the residents, but because of the city.

I also met with the city and talked to Parking Director Mark Bauer. I showed him other houses in violation in the Lakeside area. One was a very large house. I hit the same answer from him when asked why he was targeting our neighborhood and not the rest of the city!!! He asked me to go on record for reporting these houses. I didn’t understand that. If it is a city ordinance, shouldn’t it be enforced city wide?

Our neighborhood was fine the way it was and fits the area as best we can. If anything, we need the city to help us and put in extra parking to accommodate the community club. I am all for the community club and have supported it during its rebuilding years to save it.

The way I see it, is why do the Jileks and myself have to pay thousands for an ordinance that is only enforced in a small percentage of areas?

Thanks for the article and let me know how I can help.