Carmichaels removing more parking spots from town square
CARMICHAELS — Carmichaels Borough Council voted Tuesday to remove three more parking spaces from the town square because of safety concerns.
“A few of those spaces do not meet state requirements, and the borough also considers them to be a safety concern because of their proximity to the (First Federal Bank) drive-through,” said Brandi Streit, borough secretary.
Streit also said the bank manager agrees the spaces caused a safety hazard.
Last month, the borough voted to remove eight parking spaces to meet state Department of Transportation guidelines.
Councilman Charles Walker said the first parking space near a crosswalk can be no less than 20 feet away. By abiding by the restriction, it will be easier for drivers to see oncoming traffic as they enter the traffic circle, he said.
Streit said borough maintenance employee Jim Petrone began removing the spaces Aug. 17.
With a total of 11 parking spaces removed, the borough asks employees at local businesses in and around the square to park their vehicles in parking lots if possible so customers can use the remaining spaces.
In other matters relating to town square, Streit said that on Sept. 11 she handed out pamphlets to residents containing information on how to correctly drive through the square.
After a 9/11 service was held in the square, Streit set up a table at the Carmichaels Elementary School open house, where almost all pamphlets were taken.
In other business, council President John Paletta apologized to Cumberland Township resident Terri Donaldson.
Donaldson, who asked for a copy of the borough’s audit last month, felt that she had been called an “outsider” by Paletta.
“I felt that you called me an outsider, and I did not appreciate that,” she said. “I may live in Cumberland Township, but I put money into your parking meters, and I shop in your stores.”
Paletta said Tuesday he was not calling Donaldson an outsider but was only referring to the state Sunshine Law. The law states that any person who is not a resident or taxpayer of the borough may not be able to speak at borough meetings.
“I’m sorry, I just wanted to make the law clear, but you are still welcome to attend the meeting,” Paletta said to Donaldson.
The audit has not yet been completed by a volunteer auditor. The deadline for completing the audit is the end of the year, said Streit.
In other matters, council:
n Announced that Drug Take Back Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the borough building Sept. 29. People are welcome to drop off their unused prescription drugs, no questions asked.
n Announced that the Pig Festival sponsored by the Carmichaels Area Band will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the town square on Oct. 6. The square will be closed to traffic from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
n Announced that the next regular meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 9.