Brocton remains focused on parking restrictions
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BROCTON -- Determined to not let recent progress go to waste, the village of Brocton will continue to police the issue of overnight parking on village streets during the winter.
Village Trustee Bryan Woleben has spoken with a member of the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office about enforcement of the local law restricting on-street parking during winter months. Trustee Ed Bellando has also spoken to a Portland Town Justice about enforcing fines for violators of the law.
The village previously enacted a local law which states, "All-night Parking will be prohibited within the Village of Brocton between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. during the period beginning Nov. 1, and ending March 31, of each year on all highways within the Village of Brocton and also no vehicle shall stop, stand, or park between the sidewalk and the curb line or if there is no sidewalk within 8 feet of the paved street and further no vehicle shall stop, stand, or park on any sidewalk."
Village Attorney Peter Clark spoke to the difficulty Brocton faces with enforcement without its own police department, coupled with a handful of residents who refuse to comply.
"Fredonia, Jamestown, Dunkirk, they can make it work because they have police departments," Clark said. "The other municipalities, most don't have a problem because people cooperate. In Silver Creek, I've asked them, people cooperate. In Brocton, somehow, people don't cooperate."
Highway Superintendent Ken Becker responded with a playful analogy regarding the difference in the village's enforcement of parking restrictions over the past few decades, dating back to when he was ticketed as a young adult for parking on the street. "Somewhere down the line, someone dropped the ball and never kept enforcing it. Well, when you let the gate open, pretty soon all the animals get out," Becker said.
The Village has seen a decrease in violations since it began issuing violation notices, but with severe weather picking up this month, Becker is still concerned that his crew will not have the space they need to clear village streets.
"The parking has gotten better. Will it stay better? I don't know," Becker said.
Another frequent discussion remains ongoing, pertaining to whether to dissolve the Village Planning Board to combine with the Village Zoning Board of Appeals, or whether to merge both Boards with the Town of Portland. According to Clark, a local law will likely be presented for a resolution at the next regular monthly meeting of the Village Board, Feb. 21.
The Village of Brocton and the Town of Portland are also in discussions to host the Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development for a visit to tour the region and discuss future projects. A visit is eyed for early February.