Residents raise concerns about commercial trucks
Thursday, April 03, 2008
When Robert Bundy exits the driveway of his Fairfield Twp. home, he must be mindful that children might be running or cycling past.
But with large commercial vehicles parked on the street at all hours of the day for days or weeks at a time, Bundy said he and other Walden Ponds residents are becoming increasingly concerned about the possible danger that could cause.
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Get latest headlines via RSS feedsHe told trustees last week of a tow truck repeatedly parked and a large truck owned by a plumbing company, both parked in front of residences for days or weeks at a time.
Bundy said the vehicles pose safety hazards because of reduced visibility, leaving drivers unable to see where children are playing or adults are walking.
He suggested trustees look to emulate communities that initiated three-quarter ton limitations on vehicles between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m., with the exception of trucks stopping to make regular deliveries or service calls.
"As Fairfield Twp. grows, I feel that such a resolution makes sense, especially in a densely populated cul-de-sac," Bundy said.
Walden Ponds homeowner Heather Cepluch said the vehicles also could affect the value of residents' homes
"If I were out to look for homes and saw tow trucks and commercial box trucks and semis sitting on the streets, I'm not going to buy a home in that area and if I do, I'm probably going to lowball the price," Cepluch said.
Ohio law prohibits parking a vehicle of any size for more than 48 hours in any one given spot on a public street.
Assistant Administrator Skylor Miller said the township recently incorporated commercial vehicle regulations via a series of text amendments. However, it cannot exert zoning authority on public right of way, Miller said.
However, because Fairfield Twp. is a home rule township, it has more flexibility than statutory townships, said Trustee President Mark Sutton.
"I can't sit here and tell you that we legally can or we legally can't, that's why we have an attorney, but we will pursue it and I do understand your concerns," Sutton said.
