Heights Business Owners Seek Parking Solution

Parking problems along the Boulevard are forcing business owners to speak out.

Carla Culkin, owner of the ManCave Salon at the corner of Jefferson and the Boulevard, says the lack of parking is costing her the chance to grow her business.

"I feel the town is failing me," Culkin said at the Tuesday night borough council meeting asking officials for some kind of resolve. Parking meters or a change to the 2-hour parking limit were among her suggestions.

Lack of parking is just one concern. Safety is another.

Matt Maginley, another business owner, shared concerns with Culkin who claim the nearby tae kwon do school creates a crowding situation as the students' parents not only take up parking spaces along the Boulevard and side streets but also gather outside the school every evening.

"It's a madhouse at the bottom of the hill," said Maginley. He also referred to children running out into the street towards their parents parked cars.

"Businesses are growing here thanks to community involvement but more should be done to protect them," suggested Maginley.

Mayor Rose Heck agreed stating that "it's important safety be addressed because it's getting out of hand."

A police officer is assigned to monitor to the area every evening according to Chief Michael Colaneri. The department has been further understaffed in recent months due to retirements.

There no longer is a parking enforcement officer walking the Boulevard. The mayor said when the department had this officer the parking situation was much better.

With two new officers coming on next month the chief hopes to assign someone to further monitor the situation on the Boulevard.

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