Resident urges more handicap parking; council asks Planning Commission to study options

Teresa Greenfield, a new resident of Clifton Heights Lane, told the Town Council that "there should be more handicap parking spaces in the Town to accommodate people with disabilities," and asked the council to consider changes to on-street and public lot parking to better serve residents with mobility needs.

The council agreed the matter should be studied by the Planning Commission. Kathy Kalinowski, chair of the Planning Commission, said the commission will begin researching applicable requirements and options. Councilmember Patrick Pline suggested the Town Engineer be consulted to provide civil-planning perspective. Councilmember Poe said he would support restriping the railroad siding parking lot adjacent to Buckley Store and Villagio to add an accessible space provided the change would not conflict with existing Use Permits.

Councilmember Lynn Screen urged the town to consider accessibility more broadly, including looking at the Town Plan and factoring ADA access into other decisions. The Planning Commission committed to take up initiation of the project at its next meeting and return recommendations to the council for any changes that would be required before implementation.

The discussion produced no formal motion or vote on the parking changes; council members directed staff and the Planning Commission to research options and report back. The council also noted that potential physical changes may require review of existing permits, site engineering input and coordination with property owners.