Despite the objections of some residents and property owners, Scott commissioners have voted unanimously to change the parking pattern on Carothers Avenue, a busy two-lane thoroughfare that links Heidelberg with Carnegie.

Parking would move to the opposite side of the street between Locust and Creek streets -- the same side as the Glendale Volunteer Fire Department station.

They also voted Oct. 27 to approve a $250,000 grant request to the Allegheny County Economic Development Community Infrastructure and Tourism Board. The money would be used for some sidewalk replacement on Carothers.

Officials believe the change will improve safety, as well as avoid the cost of replacing some utility poles.

Carothers, which is in the Glendale neighborhood, is part of a $2.4 million tri-community streetscape revitalization grant that U. S. Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Upper St. Clair, has procured for Heidelberg, Scott and Carnegie.

When completed, the project will see changes to Route 50 in Heidelberg, Carothers in Scott and Third Street in Carnegie.

Bill Fluke, of Carnegie, who owns three buildings on Carothers, said he could not understand the reason for the parking change.

"If you plan to move it for economic reasons, then why would you move it away from the side that has all of the businesses?" he asked.

He and another landlord, John Kane, of Boden Avenue, said they would have maneuvering problems if the parking is relocated.

Officials also are proposing an eight- to 11-car parking lot with a garden at the site of the former Glenn Hotel, and to spruce up the avenue with decorative wastebaskets, benches and planters.

When Commissioner Betty Ann Connors asked Mr. Fluke if he thought the proposed enhancements would improve the area, he replied, "It's like pulling a bench up to [Interstate] 79. It's never going to be anything."

But Linda Mancini, of Collier, another landlord, praised the plans.

"I think it's a miracle," she said. "Finally we're going to do something with Glendale."

She said tenants in her building will appreciate not having to cross the street with grocery bags.

Resident Pat Martin, of Center Street, thought more public discussion is needed on the issue. "[Congressman] Murphy favors public involvement. I don't think you should jump into a very, very expensive project."

Scott plans to hire a transportation engineering firm to help with the parking switch, which is expected to include changing two steep, narrow side streets to one-way thoroughfares.

The township will provide at least a 30-day notice of the impending changes.

Commissioner Tom Castello said after the meeting, "I just don't understand any objection to cleaning anything up."

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