Around Brentwood
WELCOME TO BRENTWOOD – A WALKABLE COMMUNITY … FOR THE MOST PART . cKeesport rentwood
CITY BRIEFLY OF MCKEESPORT BRENTWOOD NEWS
During the October 16th Public Council meeting , Brentwood Borough Council introduced and authorized the advertisement of Borough Ordinance No . 2023-1316 ; Amendment to Chapter 180 of the Borough Code to Clarify Prohibitions on Obstructions of Sidewalks . In short , prohibiting parking of vehicles , whether it is two wheels or four wheels , on ANY sidewalks .
Public sidewalks play a crucial role in urban infrastructure , providing safe pathways for pedestrians to navigate through our communities . They serve as a vital component of urban life , connecting homes , workplaces , businesses , and recreational areas . Unfortunately , an issue that plagues many urban areas is the widespread practice of parking vehicles on public sidewalks . This not only creates a nuisance but also poses serious safety and accessibility concerns .
Although safety and accessibility concerns should be enough to support the enforcement of this Ordinance , I ’ ll review some other reasons why parking on public sidewalks should be discouraged and discuss the benefits of maintaining clear , walkable pathways for everyone .
SAFETY FIRST AND ACCESSIBILITY 1 . Pedestrian Safety : Parking vehicles on sidewalks forces pedestrians to walk onto the road , exposing them to the risk of accidents and injury . This is particularly dangerous for children , the elderly , and individuals with disabilities who may struggle to navigate around obstacles . I witnessed myself a mother pushing her baby in a stroller who had to actually go out onto the road because she should not get by on the sidewalk due to a vehicle parking on the sidewalk . 2 . Visibility : Parked cars on sidewalks obstruct the visibility of both pedestrians and drivers . This lack of visibility increases the likelihood of accidents at intersections and driveways . 3 . Emergency Access : In case of emergencies , such as fires or medical crises , parked vehicles on sidewalks can hinder the quick and efficient arrival of emergency services , putting lives at risk . 4 . Accessibility for All : Public sidewalks should be accessible to everyone , including individuals with mobility challenges . Parking on sidewalks restricts the space available for wheelchairs , strollers , and other assistive devices , making it difficult for those with disabilities to move freely .
58 BRENTWOOD-BALDWIN-WHITEHALL
AESTHETICS 1 . Enhanced Aesthetics : Sidewalks lined with parked vehicles are unsightly and detract from the visual appeal of a city . Keeping sidewalks clear contributes to a more attractive urban environment . 2 . Economic Benefits : A well-maintained , attractive Borough can encourage business and economic development . A Borough that prioritizes pedestrianfriendly sidewalks is likely to be more inviting to visitors and businesses .
LEGAL IMPLICATIONS 1 . Parking Regulations : Brentwood is taking a ZERO Tolerance against parking on sidewalks for the reasons mentioned above . Parking in violation of these regulations can result in fines and penalties . 2 . Liability : In cases where accidents or injuries occur due to vehicles parked on sidewalks , the owners of those vehicles may be held liable for damages .
WHAT IS THE BOROUGH GOING TO DO ? 1 . Education : Brentwood is beginning with a public awareness campaign and education to help inform residents about the importance of keeping sidewalks clear and the consequences of parking on them . 2 . Enforcement : Brentwood Police will play a crucial role in ensuring that sidewalk parking regulations are enforced .
I am sure there are many reasons one may have for parking on a sidewalk . “ I don ’ t want my vehicle side swiped ” is one I hear most often ( even though they have a garage they use for storage or a driveway that is a “ pain ” to back in to .) I think anyone of the reasons mentioned above as to why one should NOT park on a sidewalk are more important than any reason for someone to do so . Although I think most of the time its laziness with no consideration for those who rely on the sidewalks . Public sidewalks are vital to the functioning of Brentwood , and it is imperative that they remain clear and accessible for everyone . By working together to discourage sidewalk parking , we can create a community that is not only functional and safe but also enjoyable for everyone .