Verona Officials Look Into Traffic, Parking Problems on Union Street

Verona officials and residents are concerned about traffic and parking problems on Union Street.

At Tuesday's Council meeting, Councilwoman Sandra Drabicki-Bell sais many residents have told her motorists are traveling the wrong way on the one-way street and speeding.

She said on June 4, a motorist was driving the wrong way up the hill and almost hit a child. The driver allegedly proceeded to yell at the child.

"And he was the one going the wrong way," Drabicki-Bell said.

Union Street resident Christian Stavrakis said motorists regularly speed up and down the road.

"If you sit on my stoop, you'll see people going really fast," he said.

He said police could "make a fortune" in speeding tickets if they monitor the road.

The speed limit on Union Street is 25 miles per hour, though there is no posted sign stating it. Borough solicitor Craig Alexander said that limit could not be lowered unless a traffic study is conducted and finds it to be necessary.

Mayor Dave Ricupero said he would have police patrol the area more frequently. Councilman Dom Conte said the road department also would install some signs alerting motorists to watch for children—some already were posted on Thursday.

Another problem on Union Street seems to be the parking, according to Drabicki-Bell. She said a lot of homes on the street are rental properties, and there is limited parking.

"For the number of homes on that street, there are too many cars," she said.

That also poses a problem because children who play outside often hide in between the cars and passing motorists can't see them, according to some residents.

Drabicki-Bell suggested officials implement a permit parking structure on the road, as is done in Dormont, Shady Side and Squirrel Hill.

However, Councilwoman Peggy Suchevich didn't agree.

"I don't think it's right to make people pay to park in front of their homes," she said.

Councilman Pat McCarthy suggested giving each residence two permit parking passes.

Officials said they would look into it.

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