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Queen Street shop owner withdraws loading-zone expansion request after staff says space is misused
Summary
A salon owner seeking to expand a loading zone on North Queen Street withdrew the request after staff told the Traffic Commission the space is being used for long-term parking by customers with disabilities and recommended converting it to an accessible parking space instead.
Jack Segro, owner of Segro’s Lancaster (salon), asked the Traffic Commission on Jan. 14 to expand the loading zone in front of 358–360 North Queen Street after recent intersection-daylighting work reduced the on-street spaces he and other businesses used. Segro said the block supports dozens of businesses and many customers with mobility needs. “When they come in for a haircut, they usually go to a restaurant or they go to get candy… all of our customers usually buy something else on the block,” Segro said.
Staff members told the commission that the loading zone is intended for short-term loading and unloading of goods and not for long-term parking. A staff speaker summarized the city’s policy that loading zones are 20-minute spaces to load or unload and do not reserve exclusive parking for a business. The staff position was that the existing load zone was too close to the crosswalk when it was originally installed and that it should not be expanded for exclusive use to serve long-term parking needs.
Nut graf: The commission did not approve an expansion; staff recommended replacing the load-zone space with an accessible (persons-with-disability) parking space and said the business owner should work with city staff and the Lancaster Parking Authority to find a nearby loading location for deliveries.
After a prolonged exchange about deliveries, handicap access, and where trucks and rideshare services could stop, Segro agreed to withdraw the current formal request and to meet staff to explore alternatives. “I’ll work with anybody,” Segro said. Staff noted that an accessible parking space would be available for public use and not exclusively for Segro’s customers; anyone with a valid disability placard could use it.
Ending: Segro said he will coordinate with staff on a follow-up proposal; the commission urged him and staff to identify a nearby dedicated loading area and consider installing an accessible parking space on the block.
