Hobart tables plan to restrict parking on Lillian
By Karen Caffarini Post-Tribune correspondent October 17, 2012 9:26PM
Updated: November 19, 2012 3:13PM
HOBART — The City Council on Wednesday tabled action on an ordinance that would restrict parking on portions of Lillian Street from Indiana 51 to the School City of Hobart Service Center after hearing objections from residents, who maintained the main traffic concern in that area is speeding city vehicles and school buses, not parked cars.
The council decided to discuss the matter with the school district before taking any further action.
The parking restriction was considered after the school district’s transportation coordinator requested a parking ban on one side of Lillian Street, saying it was difficult for drivers to turn the corner at Ohio and Lillian with cars parked along the street.
City employees are also having a difficult time getting snowplows and emergency vehicles through the tight area, according to Public Works director John Dubach, and concern was raised over the safety of future bicyclists using the Old Savannah Trail.
Taking all that into consideration, the proposed ordinance would have eliminated parking entirely along the south side of Lillian Street from Indiana 51 to the service center drive and at least 75 feet from the intersecting corner on the north side of Lillian. Parking on the north side of Lillian would be allowed at least 40 feet from where Lillian intersects with Ohio Street. Parking on Ohio would be prohibited at least 75 feet from the Ohio and Lillian intersection.
Resident Charlie Palmer told the council these limitations could cause issues between neighbors and devalue their property.
“The issue really is the rate of speed from school city buses and public works vehicles,” Palmer said.
Another resident, Kenny Kainrath, said he parks his vehicle on the street to slow down the city and school vehicles.
“Why can’t the buses go out on (Indiana) 130? That was the original plan. Why does everybody have to go through here?” Kainrath said.
Councilman Pete Mendez, D-2nd, said there are only five houses on the street, all of which are on small lots, and it is unfair to take away all their parking. He suggested lessening the length of the restricted parking. He said Mayor Brian Snedecor proposed speed bumps be installed on the road to curtail speeding.
Councilman Lino Maggio, D-3rd, suggested the restrictions be for weekdays only, pointing out there would otherwise be no place for the residents’ guests to park.
Palmer said the residents agree with no parking allowed on the south side of Lillian, but not with the other restrictions.
In other matters, the council presented the Honorable Brent E. Dickson, chief justice of the Indiana Supreme Court and a former Hobart resident, with a key to the city, plaque and city jacket.
The City Council meeting was one of several stops the chief justice made in the city on Wednesday.
Snedecor said Dickson probably holds the highest position in the state of any person who grew up in Hobart.
Dickson said he came to the city when he was 4, attended Hobart schools, and his father was involved in the Chamber of Commerce and the city.
