Proposal could ban commercial vehicles from Albany neighborhoods

Commercial vehicles would no longer be allowed to be parked in residential neighborhoods under a proposal tentatively approved this morning by the Albany City Commission.

In its work session minutes ago, commissioners voted 6-1, with Commissioner Jon Howard the lone nay vote, to prohibit commercial vehicles from being parked in the open in neighborhoods. Work session votes have to be ratified by the commission in a second vote during an official business meeting before they can go into effect.

An exception to the rule would be school buses as long as they are parked off the roadway. Also, commercial vehicles that are parked less then eight hours inside a full enclosed structure would be allowed.

Also earlier this morning, Phil Cannon of the Downtown Merchants Association and ADICA said a new event is being added to the city’s annual downtown Mardi Gras festival.

Cannon said Praise in the Park, a concert element, will be conducted in the riverfront amphitheater.