Ambler Businesspeople: We Have a Downtown Parking Problem

With the acquisition of Mattison Avenue Elementary, Ambler Borough has now delayed an estimated $3.5 million approved parking garage on Lindenwold Avenue.
Residents and businesspeople last week let council know their desire to have a parking garage over a new community center in an old school, namely because it would solve what they say is a severe parking problem in downtown Ambler.
Some businesspeople were shocked to discover last week that customers are able to park in the SEPTA parking lot on Butler Avenue.
"SEPTA does not allow the borough to advertise parking there during the week," said Councilwoman Fran Tomlinson.
"Yes," said borough Manager Mary Aversa, "but anybody can park there anytime."  
Resident Christine DeLaurentis told council and her neighbors that Ambler does not have a parking problem.
"There is ample parking between the existing Lindenwold lot, the Cavalier lot, and on street parking," she said, "when you also consider the 496 spaces in the SEPTA lot. The SEPTA lot is free on weekends and only $1 during the week and is easily accessible from everywhere in the borough."
DeLaurentis said there is no need for Ambler to waste any money for a few more spots anywhere in the borough.
"Never mind millions of dollars for an eyesore of a multi-level parking structure," she said. "I am not anti-business and I love the bustling downtown that the borough has become over the last 15 years that I've lived here, but there simply isn't a parking issue when you consider all the spots available on Main Street."  
Frank Lutter, owner of Dettera Restaurant at 129 and 131 E. Butler Ave., pleaded the case that there is a severe parking problem, especially on the north end of town.
"I recently learned the parking deck is going to be scrapped," Lutter said. 
"You've been misinformed," said council President Tony Isabella. 
Lutter said there has been thousands of dollars spent on feasibility studies and plans and countless hours of discussion over parking.
"I think it's insane to scrap the project. Ambler needs this," he said. "I've watched the town grow in the last 20 years." 
Lutter said he recently wrote a check for $37,000 in school taxes: he chose to invest millions in Ambler.
"Ambler is not at the top (of a "Forbes" list). This is where I am. I'm passionate about Ambler," Lutter said. "I think a second level parking deck is imperative for the growth of Ambler. If you do not proceed, you will put a gigantic cork in the growth of Ambler. Businesses drive everything else."
Isabella told Lutter that the most of the source of revenue for the $3.5 million parking garage project will come from parking meters.
"Meters will possibly be added to Main Street for revenue. Parking will be expanded to 9 p.m. Customers come now and pay nothing," Isabella said. "They will be paying up to 9 p.m. in that lot. You are saying customers have to be happy. Will they be happy when they have to pay $5, $6 at night to park there?"
Lutter reiterated: parking is problem, even on Race Street.
"Night after night, I deal with frustrated customers. When bad weather comes, nobody parks by the train station to walk up here to see a movie and have dinner," Lutter said. 
Pure Spa owner Mimi Bourgeault said she has been a businessowner for six years in Ambler. She came out to the council meeting last week to speak on behalf of her clients.
"Parking is a huge issue for those of us who are appointment-based and work on a timely manner," she said. "It may not be a big issue when you can find parking at certain times of the day, and other times of the day there is no parking."
She said the SEPTA lot has signage that tells people not to park there.
"I never encourage my clients to park in the SEPTA lot when there is a sign that says not to park there," she said. 
She suggested signage to direct commuters and customers to parking lots in the borough.
"It's very confusing," she said. "We appreciate 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. being free, but it's very confusing."