February - March 2003 Edition

Parking Ban Near High School   By Chris Neidenberg  After the issue generated much emotion this past year, the Borough Council has quietly enacted making permanent an 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. parking ban on Orchard Street, between Berdan and Hopper avenues, near Fair Lawn High School.   As expected, it unanimously adopted abolishing a six-month sunset clause. This provision called for an original ordinance to expire on Dec. 31, barring further action on extending the ban.   The council's unceremonious action came at a special meeting. No residents addressed the proposal.   The scene contrasted sharply to the hotly contested meetings that were held last year regarding the measure. Hundreds of parents, students and area residents attended a session at the Thomas Jefferson Middle School, and many also came to another meeting in the Forrest School, in debating the issue.   Parents and students opposing the ban complained that it was taking away precious parking spaces from students who were being unfairly punished for the actions of a few. They were joined in their opposition by Principal Elizabeth Panella.   Yet, many area residents insisted that some action needed to be taken in preventing students from loitering near their homes during breaks and causing problems. Neighbors complained about students' littering and tossing discarded cigarette butts on or near their properties. These critics ultimately prevailed.   Mayor David L. Ganz was the only council member who commented on the final decision.   "I want to commend the council for taking this action," said Ganz, who strongly backed area residents and rejected the student supporters' complaints.   He maintained that the ban has significantly reduced school-time problems near the Orchard houses.   The mayor said the council should expect to discuss whether it should also remove from the ordinance an alternate side of the street parking provision covering the same region. The clause is unrelated to the current parking ban.   Steve Rickett, a Berdan Avenue resident who led the charge on imposing the parking ban, has stated that many of his neighbors are upset with this separate provision, which was not requested by any of the complaining neighbors. It was later tacked on to the ordinance - once the council concluded it would enhance and make safer vehicle flow on the narrow two-way street.