Trial Extended Again for Morris Estates Parking Situation

A trial period to improve parking and traffic patterns in Morris Estates in Oakmont has been extended for the second time.

After agreeing to implement a plan that only would allow parking on one side of the road at Morris Estates on Monday, borough council immediately rescinded that and agreed to extend a trial period by 30 days because a resident spoke up about the issue.

The first trial period, which council extended last month, ended on June 11. It was not effective, according to resident Matt Provenza.

“I’m confused by what’s going on there,” Provenza told council about the existing implementation. “There are just a few yellow lines and nothing else.”

Oakmont police Chief David DiSanti said the intention of the trial period was to allow parking on only one side of the road for safety reasons.

According to Provenza, it is difficult for cars and—more importantly—emergency vehicles to drive through.

Provenza presented council with pictures that showed cars parked on both sides of the road.

Provenza said there are no signs indicating the new parking instructions, and he said he hasn’t seen any reaction to the trial because people haven't been following the rules.

“People are still using both sides,” he said. “Do you think a fire truck could fit through there? I don’t.”

Though council still could implement action without a trial, borough solicitor Robert Shoop said, the process most likely wasn't effective because there wasn't better signage indicating a change in regulations.

Councilman Tim Milberger suggested extending the trial another 30 days with the proper signage. Council is expected to make a decision regarding the parking situation at next month's meeting.

DiSanti said signs would be posted once a work order was submitted to police from council.

“This one slipped through the cracks,” he said. “We’ll set it up once we receive the order.”