DeMatha Parking Restrictions up for Vote

It could soon get a little bit harder to find a parking space near DeMatha Catholic High School during the school day, but city officials say a proposed parking restrictions will make Madison Street and 44th Avenue safer for students.

Hyattsville's elected leaders will consider a new set of parking restrictions on some streets around DeMatha.

According to a memo from Hyattsville City Police Patrol Services Commander Lt. Mark Roski to the City Council, officials from DeMatha Catholic requested new parking restrictions along 44th Avenue and Madison Street.

School officials originally wanted there to be no parking on 44th Avenue between Madison and Oglethorpe streets from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on school days.  They also requested a round-the-clock no parking area on Madison Street between 44th and Baltimore avenues.

"During school hours, students many times park in these areas as well as parents who are picking up or dropping off students for school," reads the memo. "The area gets very congested with vehicles, making it difficult to see other students on foot walking or running in between cars going to or from school."

Hyattsville police took DeMatha's suggestions to heart, but made some modifications. They recommend that the City Council install signs restricting parking between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays  only on the East side of 44th Avenue between Madison and Oglethorpe streets. They also recommend that the City Council install no parking signs for the hours of 7 a.m. through 3 p.m. on weekdays on both sides of Madison Street between 44th and Baltimore avenues.

"By allowing parking after school hours, citizens living or visiting EYA or local businesses will have a place to park," reads the memo.

The entire project would cost about $375 for signs and equipment.