Councilmen Adamant About Expanding Little League Parking

In March, the North Canton Planning Commission voted down City Council's plan to expand parking at the little league ballfields, but now, Council can overrule that decision if it wishes. 

During Monday's meeting, City Council approved a measure to rework the city's zoning ordinance, granting council the power to override rulings made by the commission that pertain to zoning and conditional use permits. 

Following the zoning ordinance vote, council members sounded off over the decision to reject the $50,000 plan that would have created 78 new spots by converting a portion of city-owned land off East Maple Street  into a gravel parking lot. 

"I think, somehow, we should get it done ... We're doing a disservice to the people that use that park," said Ward 1 councilman Doug Foltz.

"I'm embarrassed that (the lot hasn't been built). I think we all are with that. It's something that just seems so right and it seems so easy to do," said At-large councilman Mark Cerreta. 

As it stands, there are 227 available spots that typically fill up during games. When that happens, the overflow of cars spills into side streets, on grass and into makeshift parking spaces. 

Council President Jon Snyder, of Ward 4, signaled the lot would likely be constructed. 

"We're going to get the job done," said Snyder. 

Former councilman Chuck Osborne put forth a solution via Patch blog to solve the parking dilemma without building a new lot. To read his plan, click here.