Parking on any Wildwood city street now is technically illegal, but police aren’t planning to go on a parking-ticket-writing spree.
A comprehensive parking ordinance approved Monday night by Wildwood commissioners makes it illegal to park on any city right-of-way.
The ordinance was prompted by complaints from Village of Fenney residents that people using the Fenney Putt & Play amenity were parking in front of their homes. It now gives police authority to ticket those vehicles.
But Police Chief Randy Parmer said after the meeting that there won’t be a massive ticket-writing campaign.
“It’s not our intention to go out and give parking tickets,” he said.
Officers will focus on illegally parked vehicles that block access for emergency vehicles or cause hazards, Parmer said, and will try first to get the drivers to move their vehicles.
The ordinance creates a ticketing system and allows police officers to issue $25 citations for parking violations. Besides rights-of-way, it also defines other kinds of illegal parking, such as blocking a driveway or roadway or parking within 20 feet of an intersection. Abusing handicapped parking or parking too close to a fire hydrant carry stiffer fines.
City Manager Jason McHugh said the measure was drafted in response to the complaints of Fenney residents.
“The ordinance is simply a tool in the city’s toolbox,” he said.
Mayor Ed Wolf, who urged caution two weeks ago, said he still believed the ordinance could cause problems, even if police officers use discretion.
“Let’s hold off if we can in the older part of the city,” he said.
Fenney resident Lonnie Turner thanked commissioners for approving the measure.
“We just didn’t want our streets to become parking lots, especially on holidays,” he said. “The neighbors there don’t want a bunch of conflict.”
Fenney residents have complained since last fall about Putt & Play users parking on their streets. Some put up homemade “No Parking” signs to discourage the practice.
Only golf cart parking is available at Fenney Putt & Play. Villagers who drive vehicles there are directed to park at the Sugar Cane or Blue Heron recreation centers.
