Resident raises safety concerns over missing sidewalk at 616 East Main Street

A resident urged the borough to address pedestrian safety on East Main Street, saying satellite imagery and long‑time personal recollection show a sidewalk once existed at 616 East Main Street and that parked vehicles are now encroaching on the former sidewalk area. The resident said the parking pattern left little room for pedestrians and cyclists and urged the borough either to restore a sidewalk or at least prevent vehicles from parking on the delineated pedestrian space. Councilors reviewed older satellite imagery, noting it was difficult to read but that faint curb marks suggested a sidewalk existed in the 1990s. Codes staff advised residents that complaints can be submitted through the borough’s online code‑enforcement form; the codes officer said such complaints go to the code office for follow up. A borough official noted that vehicles blocking sidewalks may be ticketed under borough rules. “You can’t block a sidewalk with a vehicle,” one official said. Why it matters: The conversation highlighted potential hazards where parked cars narrow walking space and the limits of borough authority over private property if sidewalks are removed or altered. Details and next steps: Councilors noted they could not determine from the meeting record when or why the sidewalk was removed. Staff asked residents to submit code enforcement complaints via the borough website when vehicles encroach on pedestrian space so the codes officer can investigate. No formal action to restore or construct a sidewalk was proposed at the meeting. Background in meeting: Speakers referenced satellite images from the early 1990s and personal recollections dating to the 1980s showing a sidewalk or curb line. The borough said it will accept online complaints and route them to code enforcement for investigation.