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Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - A former Rochester state legislator has started an online petition dealing with the city’s seasonal parking ordinance.

He wants some changes made.

The petition organized by Fran Bradley had collected 124 signatures as of Tuesday morning. Bradley says the ordinance that was adopted by the City Council in 2019 is one of the most restrictive in the state.

It requires alternate side parking for vehicles parked on city streets and in the bulb (circular part) of cul-de-sacs from 2:00 AM to 3:00 PM from Oct 1st - May 1st.

Bradley suggests the city only use parking restrictions when needed to remove snow or clean streets.

Here is the petition:

"We ask our Rochester city council to make a few tweaks to our current overbearing and “unfriendly” seasonal parking requirements to make our streets “friendly” again. We can accommodate snow plowing and street cleaning in Rochester by applying some common sense and showing respect for residents and guests!

The current Rochester ordinance requires alternate side parking 2AM to 3PM from October 1 through May 1. In addition to being confusing, the restrictions make no sense when there is no snow to plow.

This year, for example, we have gone nearly three months without the need to plow snow. Even in the heart of winter, most days are without any need for snow plowing. Residents and guests become criminals for no good reason.

The fact that tickets apparently were not being issued during October through December is an indication that we have an ordinance that is out of sync with reality.

Rochester’s ordinance is one of the most restrictive in the state. Most other cities invoke parking restrictions only when there is snow for plowing or when a snow emergency is proclaimed. Pretty simple commonsense and “friendly” concepts.

Surely our city council and public works can find better, more “friendly” solutions. Here are a few suggestions:

Apply parking (even/odd or otherwise) restrictions only when there is enough snow to require plowing.
Apply parking (even/odd or otherwise) restrictions only when a snow emergency has been announced.
Declare street sweeping parking restrictions only when actually needed.
Get creative.
Please sign this petition and pass it around among your friends and neighbors."

Here are some of the comments in response to the petition:

 

“I’m all for making life easier for the plow drivers and street cleaners but it seems unnecessary when there’s no snow and no debris to clear. Also, I don’t like that I have to take my two small children across the street every other day just to get them in my car for school or other activities. Seems unnecessarily dangerous. Thanks.”

“There are better ways to clear our streets for snow removal and street sweeping. Declare a snow emergency or signage during street sweeping.”

“Please consider much more practical and common sense parking regulations for our streets. Thank you”

Does Rochester, Mn have a crow problem? This poop says 'yes'!

 

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