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Council approves South Spring Street loading/unloading zone; signage and time window to be installed
Summary
Bellefonte council approved a recommendation to add a loading/unloading zone on South Spring Street (5 a.m.–8 a.m.) and to relocate a handicapped parking space; the streets department will add markings and signage and monitor impacts.
Bellefonte Borough Council on Monday approved a recommendation from LTAP and borough staff to establish a loading and unloading zone on South Spring Street and to relocate a handicapped parking space to the nearby parking lot.
Why it matters: The measure aims to help deliveries for downtown businesses while preserving safe handicapped access nearby. Council members asked staff about enforcement and timing before voting.
Under the adopted plan, markings and signage will indicate a loading/unloading restriction from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m.; after that window the spaces will be available for regular parking. Julie Brooks, borough staff, told council the streets department will apply pavement markings and install signs and will coordinate relocation of handicapped spaces to the adjacent lot. A councilor noted the measure will not remove parking spaces permanently but will restrict overnight/early‑morning parking during the posted hours.
Several councilors expressed concern about the shortness of the restricted window and its effect on local businesses; staff said they had discussed the change with Dollar General management and will monitor compliance and enforcement. Councilors said they could revisit the hours through the ordinance process if monitoring shows the restriction harms business access.
The motion to approve the recommendation passed on a roll‑call vote. The streets department will install the signage and markings and place signage for the relocated handicapped spaces; staff said there will be three accessible spaces in the lot after changes are implemented.
A forward look: Councilors asked staff to monitor the change and to return with any enforcement or parking‑access issues; any future changes to the hours would require a formal ordinance amendment and council approval.
