Some worried about Elgin parking ban

Elgin's even-odd parking trial is still in its infancy, but it's already causing anxiety for some residents.

Several residents who live near an apartment complex on the city's northeast side voiced their concerns that the regulations - which are designed to make leaf removal, street sweeping and snow plowing more efficient and predictable - will make it harder for them.

The residents said if enacted permanently, the new rules could have a disastrous effect because spillover from the apartments will make it more difficult for homeowners to park.

"Odd and even parking would be a hardship and economic disaster for the homeowners," said Sharri Mortellaro, who lives on Seminole Drive.

Four neighborhoods - Randall Ridge, the southern part of Cobblers Crossing, the Gifford and Summit park area and Southwest Area Neighbors Association region up to Gertrude Street - have the even-odd schedule from midnight to 5 p.m. from September through March 2009.

The parking trial is not currently effect for Mortellaro's area, but if the ban works council members will consider expanding it to the entire city.

Mayor Ed Schock said some of the comments made by residents have been a bit premature because the council has not made any decision yet on whether to expand the regulations to the entire city.

Schock said that at this point he's not convinced a blanket ban is needed.

"No decision has been made on that. Right now it's just four neighborhoods," he said. "I don't think every neighborhood needs it. That's where I am right now. I'm keeping an open mind, but I'm not sold on the entire city (ban)."

Meanwhile, after a month of handing out warnings and informational brochures, police have begun issuing $50 tickets.

RuthAnne Hall, management analyst for the city, said more motorists are obeying the new rules. For example, on Sept. 2, the second day of the ban, police issued 503 warnings. But in the first week of actual ticketing, which began Oct. 1, police wrote just 42 tickets.

"The compliance has improved dramatically," Hall said. "More than anything what we're trying to do is communicate the parking ordinance to get compliance."

Leaf collection for some parts of the city begins Monday, Oct. 13.