GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.–More than 100 inches of snow fell on Grand Rapids last winter, creating headaches for both residents and snow plow drivers. Now the city is taking action, hoping to prevent some of the problems that plagued West Michigan neighborhoods last year.
“It’s a lot easier to be proactive than react later,” said traffic safety manager, Chris Zull.
Saturday begins winter parking regulation, meaning on some streets odd/even parking will be enforced. This year, parking on some other streets will be strictly limited to one side of the road.
“We sent out 1,600 direct mail to the residents and the owners of the properties of those affected on the 19 streets,” Zull said. “We have some flyers that we are going to be distributing to the neighborhood associations.”
Denise Buswa recently moved to a home where odd/even parking is enforced, but says she chose her home based on horror stories from friends.
“I have a friend who lives on the northeast side and she at times can’t even get down her street because they can’t plow,” Buswa said.
But Zull hopes taking precautions early this year will prevent repeating last year’s mistakes.
“I’ve heard predictions of the same type of winter again this year and we are looking to take some countermeasures ahead of time so that we can keep our citizens safe,” Zull said.
The fines for parking on the wrong side of the street begin at $20.
