|
Borough still considering a request for parking |
|
Written by Publisher
|
|
Wednesday, 11 November 2009 |
What seemed to be a routine fix has turned into a complex issue.
In a letter to the Kane Borough Council last month, Karen Lyle and Elizabeth Shrubb made a request for a reserved parking space in front of their business-- Karen and Betty’s Hair Happening at 237 Bayard St. at Welsh Street.
“The majority of our patrons are elderly and are unable to walk from a great distance to enter our shop,” the business owners said in their request. “Because the location of our business is in a residential area, our clients often times find it difficult to find a parking space within several houses of our shop.”
The owners said the situation worsens in the winter months with parking limited to one side of the street due to alternate-side parking rules.
The issue surfaced again Monday at this month's council meeting.
Randy Gustafson of 234 Bayard St. questioned how parking spaces could be reserved for the business due to the lack of on-street parking for residents in the area.
He said the parking problem is “out of hand.” Gustafson emphasized that his criticism of the limited parking in the area is not an attack against the owners of the beauty shop. “I want to keep the peace,” he said.
Council last month referred the request to committee and the police department for review.
A decision on the request has not been finalized.
Police Chief Brian Hillard said he is “at a loss” to find a suitable solution that would be acceptable to the business and residents in the area.
Councilwoman Janet Bard said this issue is another reason why businesses should locate in a business zone with adequate parking.
Council President Howard Kane told Gustafson that the borough still is considering the request from the businesswomen.
“We’re working on it,” he said.
In other business at the 103-minute meeting at the borough building, council:
*Received a request from the Rev. Philip Pinczewski, pastor of St. Callistus Catholic Church, to consider adding another street light on Haines Street between Chase and Dawson streets.
Councilman Jim Salvamoser pointed out that street lights “aren’t free.” He said perhaps the borough could add another light on Haines Street and remove a light from another street to eliminate an increase in street lighting costs.
*Heard a suggestion from Councilman John Gentilman to maintain one-way traffic on Chestnut Street for certain events. During events in the area, the borough often permits parking on both sides of Chestnut Street.
*Heard Fire Chief Dave Silvis report that another fire department may be interested in acquiring the old Kane ladder truck. The old ladder truck no longer is in service with the addition of the new “tower” truck.
*Discussed possible cost-cutting measures for the 2010 budget.
Salvamoser suggested using workers at the Kinzua sewer plant to feed stray dogs housed in the kennel on the facility grounds. Lauri Osmon, the borough animal control officer, now is paid to feed dogs housed temporarily at the kennel.
•Adopted a resolution to support efforts by the Kane Depot Preservation Society to seek a grant to complete a proposed sign project.
•Heard a suggestion from Bard to use vacant borough-owned lots for off-street parking.
•Heard a suggestion from Salvamoser to seek bids for fuel.
Kane Borough Council
When: Monday, Dec. 14
Time: 10 a.m.
Where: Borough Building, Bayard Street
|
|
Last Updated ( Thursday, 10 December 2009 )
|
