Hatboro to Consider Renting Parking Spaces

Metered and free parking lots are plentiful throughout Hatboro.

But, for residents without an official borough parking spot, long-term parking is scarce.

That may soon change. The Hatboro Borough Council has directed staff to look into the possibility of revising its existing parking ordinance to possibly permit the renting of parking spaces in borough-owned lots on a monthly basis, according to Council President John Zygmont.

The fees for use have not been determined, he said. 

The hope, he said, is to have the proposed change advertised in time to act on at the council's regular council meeting on Feb. 24.

Right now Hatboro is looking into what other towns are doing, Zygmont said.

"If people are going to be using the lots, we feel that we should be collecting," he said. 

A revenue goal has not been set, he said. 

Currently, parking is permitted for free in the borough's two unmetered lots for up two-hour and three-hour increments at the West Moreland Avenue and Bank Street parking lots, respectively, and up to 24 hours for the $1 fee charged at the largely commuter lot on East Moreland Avenue, according to Police Chief James Gardner. Beyond that, cars left in the lots can be ticketed, Gardner said.

"The goal is compliance and to ensure adequate parking," Gardner said, adding that long-term parking in short-term lots has not been a big problem.

Recent completion of the Bank Street parking lot, behind the former Wachovia Bank building is the driving force for the possible ordinance amendments, Zygmont said.