Resident seeks handicap parking; council outlines ordinance process and timeline

At the April 7 Emmaus Borough Council meeting, resident Bruce Carl requested expedited placement of a handicap parking sign at 136 North Fourth Street, saying worsening health and limited curbside parking make it difficult for him to access his home.

Carl said he had “put in my application for a handicap platter at my address” but that the expected 90‑day wait was “a little bit unacceptable” compared with the 10–15 days he said the state takes to issue placards. “So if you can speed it clear along the process, I'd really appreciate it,” he said.

Councilors and staff explained the local process. A council member said handicap parking is governed by borough ordinance and therefore requires two readings after a public safety committee review. The council member said the committee meets April 9 and that, if recommended, a first reading could occur April 21 with a likely second reading on May 19; after that the borough must obtain the sign and a permit number from the manufacturer. A separate council member noted the police department must perform an on‑site assessment to confirm the need and whether alternative parking is available.

Council directed that the request be referred to the public safety committee for assessment and that staff include it on the committee’s April 9 agenda. Council members said the borough lacks in‑stock signage because state PennDOT standards changed and signs must be ordered.

The matter will return to council after the committee and police review; council did not take a final vote at the meeting.