Resident asks borough to ask South Abington police to stop using private parking spaces near Depot Street businesses

A Clarks Summit tenant who rents a parking spot near Depot Street told the borough council that officers from South Abington Township frequently occupy spaces intended for residents and employees of nearby businesses, leaving the tenant without her leased space.

The tenant, who identified herself in the meeting as Chen, said she pays monthly for a single space and that police cars often occupy several spaces in the small lot used by customers and employees of a nearby bar, the Sunshine Cafe, and a drawing business. “When they park there, they move to Sunshine Cafe…when I come back from school, they’re still there,” she said, describing repeated inconvenience and occasional conflict when she tries to locate her vehicle’s space.

Councilors recommended addressing the matter through the tenant’s landlord and suggested the tenant request the landlord to speak with the businesses and, if necessary, the township police. One councilor advised the tenant that the lease is the primary basis to resolve such disputes and encouraged the tenant to raise the issue with the landlord. The tenant said she would prefer the council or chief to ask South Abington police to avoid those specific spots when feasible.

Council took no formal action; staff suggested the tenant speak first with her landlord, who may be able to enforce parking rights under the lease or raise the issue with the police department.