The Northampton Borough Council on Sept. 2 declined a resident’s petition to add a handicap parking space on the 800 block of Main Street, following a recommendation from Police Chief Kadingo to deny the request.

A council member asked whether the petitioner knew they could use two existing handicapped spaces nearby; Chief Kadingo said he had explained that to the resident, but also noted a language barrier required discussion with the applicant’s granddaughter. The chief said the two existing handicapped spaces are “very close” to the petition site and that previous requests for spaces near that one have been contentious. “There’s probably been before council at least 2 other requests for spaces right next to that 1,” the chief said.

Council member language during the meeting indicated the motion to follow Chief Kadingo’s recommendation and to reject the petition carried by voice vote. Council did not adopt a written amendment to the parking ordinance at the meeting and did not set a timeline for further review of handicapped-parking locations on Main Street.