Council Approves 2nd Street Handicapped Spot

Coopersburg Borough Council recently approved a motion to designate a 30-foot section of Second Street at Station Avenue as a handicapped parking space, following a request from a resident who lives at the intersection.

Another neighbor's vehicles take up much of the on-street parking near her home, the woman—who has a physical condition—had previously told borough officials.

The designated space will be located on the west side of Second Street, and will be available for any handicapped person who needs to park there.

Council members acknowledged, however, that the designation will primarily benefit the resident who requested the space.

"She has a compelling case," council president Jack Felch said. "I understand her personal need."

Felch, however, questioned why the resident had chosen not to install off-street parking for herself.

"There's some potential to have a driveway (on her property)," he said. "But they've chosen not to do that."

"If that was my problem, I'd plow me out a driveway," he added.

Council member Richard Nalichowski responded to Felch's remark by telling him the borough can't impose that kind of financial burden on a resident.

Felch also suggested that the borough attempt to discourage others from parking along the stretch of Second Street in question simply by painting the curb blue.

But Nalichowski contended that the proposed compromise measure, while saving the borough money, would not be enforceable as a handicapped parking zone and thus "would not help (the resident) at all."

Borough Manager Tim Paashaus estimated that the cost of installing the space will be about $1,000, which will be borne by the borough.

The vote to approve the request for the space was 5-1 in favor of it, with councilwoman Linda Minarik voting against the motion.