Parking Restrictions Near Bret Harte, Clara Barton Get OK

Parental concerns and clogged streets have resulted in a move to restrict parking near two Cherry Hill elementary schools, township officials said.

In an ordinance introduced Monday night, township council OK’d the move to redefine when and where people can park near Clara Barton and Bret Harte elementary schools.

The ordinance effectively bans parking on the north side of McGill Avenue east of Rhode Island Avenue from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., in part because of the limited visibility created by the S-curve in the road, police said.

“When people park there, you can’t actually see the children in the crosswalk,” Lt. Amy Winters said.

Similar concerns prompted the parking ban near Bret Harte School, where drivers won’t be able to park on the north side of Queen Anne Road between Country Club and Heartwood drives from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

“We’re not really imposing on the residents, because they’re still able to park there when school’s not in session,” Winters said.

All the parking restrictions only apply when school is in session.

The ordinance will be up for a second reading and final adoption next month.