SCRANTON -- Mike Seitzinger has been going to Brunetti’s Pizza on Deacon Street in Scranton his entire life.
“It’s an institution here. I mean this is something that can hamper a lifelong business of 59 years,” Seitzinger said.
City officials want to ban parking in front of the business.
The reason? Safety.
For the past 20 years, Deacon Street was one way, but in 2013 it was turned back into a two-way street after officials said it was mistakenly marked.
That change is still confusing to many drivers, resulting in an increase in crashes near Brunetti’s. That's why the parking ban may be enforced, but owners worry it can take a slice out of profits.
“We rely on people, stop and go, grab and go, pull in, grab your order,” said Brunetti’s owner Therese Brunetti.
Scranton Mayor Bill Courtright realizes there is an issue for both sides but says safety is his priority.
“I'll have our engineers back out here and do another study with the corporal of our traffic division to see if there can’t be any resolution that will both make things safe and not impact business,” Courtright said.
While there are parking and safety issues, another issue is making a convenience store – inconvenient.
Brunetti knows the battle is far from over, but is happy that her voice is being heard. She started a petition to gain support and stop a possible ban on parking.
“I honestly think that they are listening. They see that there is an issue,” she added.
