Commission hears that police will not ticket Sunday churchgoers in handicapped spaces; discusses adding Sunday-only accessible spots

The Middleborough Commission on Disability discussed enforcement of handicapped parking on South Main Street after a report that the police chief declined to issue tickets to drivers parked in designated handicapped spaces on Sunday mornings to avoid interfering with churchgoers.

Commission Chair Diane said the message was relayed via the pastor of the local Unitarian church, Sarah Person, and that the chair is prepared to follow up directly with the chief. "He declines to issue tickets to people who are parked in the handicapped spaces on Sunday morning because he doesn't want to interfere with people who are going to church," Diane said, describing how the information reached the commission.

Why it matters: several members noted that limiting enforcement on Sunday mornings effectively restricts usable parking for people with disabilities when many community activities, including religious services, take place. Commissioners discussed next steps that would not require immediate formal action but would involve town officials.

Discussion and next steps: Commissioners agreed the chair should speak directly with the police chief and, if needed, escalate to the town manager or select board. The select board chair has indicated willingness to discuss possible solutions, and the commission suggested the director of public works (DPW) review any proposed changes to parking layout.

The commission also discussed a temporary approach: labeling an additional two or three spaces on South Main to apply only on Sunday mornings for accessible parking. One commissioner said the Unitarian church pastor estimated a need for "4 or 5, maybe less" additional spaces. The DPW director was identified as the department that would examine feasible locations and accessibility constraints such as the absence of a ramp at the site.

No formal motion or vote was taken on enforcement or new signage at the meeting. The chair said she will follow up with the police chief, identify potential locations with input from the pastor, and send any site recommendations to the select board chair and DPW for review.

The conversation took place during the commission's regular meeting under the agenda item addressing South Main Street handicap parking; commissioners did not adopt a formal policy or ordinance change at this meeting.