City councilman to introduce new Toledo parking legislation

D. Michael Collins

Councilman and mayoral candidate D. Michael Collins announced Monday morning a proposal to repeal a section of the Toledo Municipal Code and enact a new one in its place regarding standing and/or parking.

The current code states that it is prohibited to "stand or park a vehicle upon any unpaved portion of a front lot or side lot...or upon any unpaved portion of a vacant lot."

The new code would add "It shall not be a violation of this section to park in an unpaved driveway that is a prior nonconforming use of the property or if a variance permitting the use has been approved in accordance with the law."

The original language has been an issue after Susan Frederick, a commissioner of Toledo’s Division of Streets, Bridges, and Harbor, issued seven parking tickets to residents June 11 for parking on gravel or stone-covered surfaces, many of which were turnarounds not leading to garages.

Mr. Collins called the incident "a lack of good judgment."

"This is logical," he said of the proposed legislation. "This doesn’t take rocket science to figure out."

He was joined in the press conference by Councilmen George Sarantou and Tom Waniewski.

Mr. Collins said he will introduce the legislation at the Aug. 4 council agenda review meeting. It will then go to council for a vote. Should it pass with a needed seven or more votes, it would take effect 30 days after the vote.