Residents and officials discuss fire‑lane parking and signage at local shopping centers

A resident and public-safety officials discussed repeated parking and fire‑lane violations at local shopping centers and potential fixes to signage and enforcement. The matter matters because obstructed fire lanes and blocked handicap access impede emergency response and pedestrian mobility. Peter Maceras, identified as a Marshall representative, suggested reorienting no‑parking signs so they face drivers rather than the storefronts. “If the sign say no parking would be facing the driver, it may have a small effect on their behavior,” Maceras said. Fire Chief Rob Montella and Police Chief Habich told council that officers and fire‑safety personnel ticket the areas frequently. Montella said officers and public safety staff “write tickets there daily” and noted enforcement is ongoing. Police Chief Habich reminded council that the borough had increased the fine for a fire‑lane violation to $50 and that unpaid citations escalate to state vehicle-code citations with larger fines. Fire Marshal Leslie said the borough is working with shopping-center owners to replace faded signs and add no‑parking postings; he said signage work remains outstanding at one center but that most sign replacements are completed or in progress. Council did not adopt new ordinances or fees during the meeting. Officials said enforcement will continue and staff will keep pursuing property owners to replace or reorient signs and maintain fire-lane visibility.