15211.org

Although I'm new to Mt. Washington, I've always lived in the Pgh. area, and I'm fully aware of the infamous “Pittsburgh chair” used to reserve parking spaces. Recently, the use of chairs, sawhorses, and parking cones, among other things, has gotten ridiculous on my street. My question is, are people legally allowed to use these things to block the street? Is there a way to deal with this other than moving them (which I have done more than once)? We've also tried explaining kindly to one of the offenders that the street is in fact public property, and despite the fact that the spot is in front of your house, you are not the only one allowed to park there. I'm honestly not sure they grasp this concept.

I'd be more sympathetic if the people doing this were elderly; however, they are definitely not. Factor in the 3 handicapped spaces on the street (nothing against these at all, just stating that they do reduce the available parking), and it leaves very few spots for the rest of us to park in.

Parking has become somewhat an issue on my street as well mainly due to a rental property which has become more of a frat house. They use up every available spot on the street. They have four cars and are always entertaining friends which more than doubles the parking spaces they already use. There was an nice article in the Mt. Wash. paper a few years ago that listed some points one of which was being considerate to home owners without driveways/garages and allow them the parking in front of their homes. Maybe the idea of parking permits should be revisted.