Moon's New Parking Restrictions: What You Need to Know

The on Wednesday night approved a new set of parking for two Moon neighborhoods, citing caused by students at both and

The new , which will affect residents living near the high school and in the neighborhood, have been months in the making, said Moon Police Chief Leo McCarthy.

The board approved no-parking zones during daytime hours on portions of Bradley and Springer drives.

McCarthy said limited parking space at the new Moon Area High School campus has prompted students to park on nearby Springer and Bradley drives.

He said more than 60 cars at a time have lined the residential streets during school hours, raising concerns that emergency vehicles would be unable to drive through the clogged roads.

"I was very fearful that we couldn't get a firetruck down the street," McCarthy told the board last night.

placed temporary no-parking signs on one side of the streets earlier this year to limit off-campus parking.

What the new ordinance means to you:

• The ordinance aims to quell parking overflow from the recently constructed Moon Area High School

• The new no-parking zone will include the southern side of Springer Drive, between Bradley and Patton drives, and the eastern side of Bradley Drive, from Patton Drive to the end of the road

• The ordinance will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Sept. 1 through June 30

• McCarthy said additional on-campus parking will be available for Moon Area students when they return to class Sept. 6

• Any vehicles parked in restricted zones during the designated hours are subject to being ticketed by Moon Police.

The board also approved parking restrictions on Centerdale, Greenlea and Crossdale drives in the Amherst Acres neighborhood. Motorists will now need permits to park on the streets during daytime hours.

McCarthy said increasing numbers of students at RMU also have been parking on those residential streets in recent years.

RMU Police Chief Randy Mink said campus parking fees for students will increase for the 2011-2012 school, and that could spur more students to park their vehicles instead on nearby residential streets.

"[Chief Mink] strongly suggested the ordinance," McCarthy said. 

What the new ordinance means to you:

• The township will issue two parking permits to each household on Centerdale, Greenlea and Crossdale drives via mail in the coming weeks 

• Residents can obtain a third parking permit by contacting Moon Police. Residents soon will be able to register for the permits via the department's website

• Parking permits will be required for all on-street parking from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday on the streets. No restrictions will take place in evenings and on weekends

• McCarthy said vendors and vehicles providing a service to residents, such as landscapers, are exempt from the restrictions

• He also said residents may contact Moon Police before holding a large gathering at their home to prevent ticketing of household guests

• Any vehicles parked on the streets during daytime hours without a permit are subject to being ticketed by Moon Police