After several years of debate, the Oswego Common Council said it has finally taken a step toward resolving persistent complaints about the city's winter parking policy.
The council unanimously passed a new law Tuesday that will ban parking on city streets from midnight to 6 a.m. starting in December and ending in March. Residents without a driveway or adequate parking spaces can apply for one $75 annual permit per address to leave their vehicle on the street.
Some residents say the law isn't practical because most households have more than one vehicle, which is why some councilors said they hope this is the beginning of a larger conversation. They expressed interest in a 24-hour alternate side system for the future, which is currently in place in the city of Syracuse.
The city has restored an overnight ban last year after an unsuccessful attempt at overnight alternate side parking in previous winters.
The window for permit applications ends October 31. But Councilor Nate Emmons said the city will be flexible with that deadline this year because the new law passed so late.
