City to add no-parking zones along streets in Marley Park

No-parking signs may be erected in certain parts of a large Surprise residential community, a move prompted by a resident's public-safety complaint to a city council member.

The resident, who lives in Marley Park, recently noticed a firetruck and an ambulance having trouble maneuvering on the street as they responded to an emergency medical call.

City Traffic Engineer John Abraham said the streets in that community are narrower than most because they were designed and built before new street standards were in place. Marley Park's streets are 30 feet wide, while the new standard is two feet wider.

Fire, planning and engineering officials agreed the maneuvering problem was compounded by cars parked on both sides of the curb. After the complaint was reviewed, they recommended no-parking signs at 14 locations in one section of the community.

Traffic engineers hope the signs will improve response times.

Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Pool said the area's design makes it hard for large vehicles such as firetrucks to make turns.

"I hope this will alleviate the problem," Pool said.

Before the signs are erected, officials will meet with the community's homeowner association to get resident feedback.

Dan Kelly, general manager of Marley Park, said he does not foresee any opposition to the proposal.

"If there are safety concerns from the city and the residents, the city is more than welcome . . . to work with our residents," he said.