City Considers No Parking Zones Near DeMatha

New parking restrictions near DeMatha Catholic High School are up for consideration by the Hyattsville City Council. The restrictions, proposed for the 5800 block of 44th Avenue and the 4300 block of Madison Street, are designed to accomplish two goals: make it easier for DeMatha students to walk across campus and to free up parking for neighborhood residents. 

The new plan would restrict parking on the 5800 block of 44th Avenue and the 4300 block of Madison Street between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The proposed parking restrictions are the result of almost 10 months of evaluation by city officials, school employees and neighborhood residents. 

The idea for a new set of parking restrictions along DeMatha's eastern property line was first proposed by school officials back in October 211, when Dean of Students Dave Gardiner became concerned about student safety near the school drop off area on Madison Street.

Then, over the next few weeks, officers from the Hyattsville City Police Department observed the intersection during the morning and afternoon academic rush-hours. 

As a result of their surveillance, the city police

The city council rejected this option in mid-January, , which came in the form of a March meeting at the Lustine Center. 

At that meeting, r. 

Feedback generated from area residents during and after the meeting was spirited. Residents did not like the idea of losing parking areas because of DeMatha's request.

"In general, I am frustrated mostly by the lack of parking in our neighborhood," "The idea that some of the only extra spots that we have that we are allowed to park in are going to disappear because DeMatha raised their hand and said they had a problem is frustrating to me."

The Hyattsville city council will consider the parking restrictions at its meeting tonight at 8 p.m. in the Hyattsville Municipal Building on Gallatin Street.