Residents ask committee to restore evening and weekend access to Lot Number 6

Residents of the 100 block of North New Street urged the West Chester Borough Council parking committee on an item not on the agenda to restore the evening and weekend access they previously had to Lot Number 6 after the borough changed parking enforcement hours.

“So my ask is that we be allowed to have a parking pass…that would restore our parking access to what we previously had,” said Alexandra Hyman, a resident of 118 North New Street, who told the committee the change left the block with only two non‑handicap street parking spaces and that alternative, non‑permitted parking is a five‑ to ten‑minute walk depending on availability.

The request from Hyman was for a pass separate from the Lot Number 6 lottery permit program that would allow residents of the block the same after‑5 p.m. and weekend access they had before the enforcement hours changed. Hyman said Lot Number 6 is “nearly empty overnight” and that her block is not part of the borough’s permit program and therefore cannot apply for the lot’s lottery permits.

Sheila Vaccaro, who called the meeting to order, told Hyman directly the committee could not simply restore the prior hours immediately. “So I’m gonna be really mean and tell you you’re not gonna get that back. But that doesn’t mean that we’re not listening to you,” Vaccaro said, adding that staff and members remain willing to work with residents on solutions.

A committee member reported staff reviewed the block and removed two incorrectly designated handicap spaces, which the member said will free up roughly three to four additional curbside spots once temporary winter paint and signs are removed. The same committee member said staff and the property owner are exploring additional parking options, including using a vacant lot behind 116–118 and reviewing a nearby garage and alley access. The committee member also noted a bus stop and corner clearances limit where vehicles may be parked on the block.

The resident said the neighborhood landlord and realtor had been involved in conversations; committee members said they had also been in contact with the landlord. Committee members advised Hyman that visible changes—painted curb removal and sign work—are weather dependent and expected in spring, and that further follow‑up with parking staff would occur.

The committee did not take formal action on the request at the meeting; members described operational fixes underway and encouraged continued dialogue between residents, landlords and borough staff.

Hyman thanked the committee and said she looked forward to continued work toward a solution.