Argenzio gets backing from councillors over curbing driveway reductions

By Barbara Taormina

City councillors did not hesitate to support Ward 4 Councillor Paul Argenzio’s motion that the mayor instruct the engineering department to stop reducing residents’ driveways to 20 feet, per city ordinance, when sidewalks are being reconstructed unless the driveway poses a public safety concern. “The engineering department has decided to follow the letter of the law with this ordinance. As streets are being reconstructed, they are reducing driveways. I don’t see the point of going into older established neighborhoods and doing this,” said Argenzio.

“Unless a driveway poses a public safety concern, I don’t see what is to be gained going back all these years to close up driveways,” he added.

Argenzio recalled that when he was the city’s Supt. of Public Works he would walk streets and assess each individual property rather than following a broad ordinance.

Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto said it was a great motion. “This is foolish and it’s sticking in to the homeowner,” said Zambuto. “It’s a stupid law. If it’s not a public safety hazard, leave it alone. Stop torturing people.”

Councillor-at-Large Marc Silvestri said he recently received calls from Washington Street residents who were having driveways reduced. Councillor-at-Large Michelle Kelly said that individual approach allowed the city to do what’s in the best interest of residents.

“These places shouldn’t be reduced, they are grandfathered in,” said Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky. “They were there before the law changed.”

Ward 6 Councillor Chris Giannino said residents in his ward are having their driveways cut for no reason.

The council voted unanimously to support the motion.