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Neighbors Blame Morgan State University For Parking Problems

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- No parking spots and trash are just a couple of problems neighbors near Morgan State University say they're dealing with.

Monique Griego has more on what they want the city to do about it.

"All they want to do is come into their neighborhood and park," said one man.

A small but vocal group of angry residents picketed for parking Monday at City Hall.

"It's not what they tell them; it's enforcing it," said Linda Pritchett.

Pritchett and other neighbors want the one-hour parking signs near Morgan State University enforced.

"All of our streets don't have it yet, which makes it a Band-Aid," said Pritchett.

They say students' cars line their streets, forcing them to fight for a parking spot.

"We're just held hostage. We're afraid to leave," said Coleman Moore.

Besides parking problems, neighbors say students leave trash in their yards and hit their cars.

"I've been hit twice this year in 2011 and three [times] in 2010," said Moore.

Homeowners fought to have the hourly signs put in, but now want things taken even further.

"I would like to see `residential only,'" said Pritchett.

But getting signs changed from one hour to residents only won't be easy.

"What if that happens all over the city? Then nobody could park in every neighborhood. That means nobody could park anywhere," said City Council President Jack Young.

Young says he plans to work on the enforcement but also believes the university holds some responsibility.

Neighbors don't care who does what, they just hope this helps get something done.

"Nothing is impossible. We just have to have faith that things can happen and if we do things the right way, we can get this," said Pritchett.

WJZ did contact leaders at Morgan State University and they said a new parking garage is currently under construction. They hope it can help alleviate some of the problems.

Residents say they pay around $60 a year for a permit to park in their neighborhood. Students park for free.

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