Janine Marnien
Drivers' vision being blocked by large or recreational vehicles is
one of the safety concerns expressed by some residents in favor of a
proposed parking ordinance for La Crescenta and Montrose.
Other concerns include home addresses being blocked from emergency
personnel, the shielding of criminal activity and the inability of
pedestrians to see around large, parked vehicles or RVs.
"It's a safety issue," said Vasken Yardemian, a Crescenta Valley
Town Council member who is in favor of the ordinance. "They create
blind spots for pedestrian and vehicle traffic."
Two public hearings have been set by the department of public
works to discuss the parking ordinance, but some are worried that not
enough people in favor of it will speak out.
At least one person has expressed a fear of retaliation, and
another is wary of speaking after being booed at previous hearings
for a related RV ordinance by some of its opponents.
Eleanor Wacker, a La Crescenta resident since 1964, was one of a
few who spoke out in favor of an ordinance that limited parking of
RVs on personal property. She was told by some she should move after
finishing her comments at the public hearing.
"I'll go prepared to be yelled at," she said. "The parking
ordinance seems to me to be fair."
Wacker was also concerned that the parking of large vehicles and
RVs in certain areas posed a safety risk.
Some opponents of the ordinance don't agree with the safety
concerns raised.
Cindy Cleghorn has been a La Crescenta resident for more than 40
years, and is one such opponent.
"You could have an ugly house next door, or a huge tree that
blocks a view," she said. "Every lot is different in La Crescenta,
and properties are sold because they fit an RV."
The first public hearing to discuss the parking ordinance is set
for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Rosemont Middle School, 4725 Rosemont Ave.
