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Amherst council asks staff to review Main Street no‑parking signs, trailer rules
Summary
Council members identified unclear 'no parking' signs and sight‑distance risks on North Main Street, raised concerns about trailers and sleeping in vehicles, and asked staff to research striping, curb painting and the town’s authority to restrict unattended trailers.
The Amherst Town Council asked staff to review unclear no‑parking signage and investigate possible changes to on‑street trailer and vehicle regulations after an extended discussion about safety and parking use on North Main Street.
Council members raised concerns that two no‑parking signs near a filling station and adjacent to a trash receptacle lack clear limits, leaving drivers unsure where parking is prohibited. “I have concerns about 2 signs,” a council member said during the discussion, noting the signage did not match pavement markings and could obscure directional signs. A council member said a vehicle parked near the driveway limits sight distance for drivers entering North Main Street.
Staff agreed painting the curb or striping the pavement could clarify the limits. “If it’s got a license plate and it’s got a up to date registration, I don’t know if we’ll be able to differentiate between the 2,” a staff member said when council asked whether the town can treat trailers differently from passenger vehicles. Council members asked staff to research options, including curb painting, striping and whether the town can legally regulate unattended trailers in parking zones.
Council also discussed reports of people sleeping in cars on 2nd Street and the difference between legal parking and noise or nuisance behaviors; the council indicated enforcement would depend on observed violations (for example, loud music or profanity) rather than the act of sleeping in a vehicle alone. One council member summarized the outcome: staff should examine the signage and return with recommendations.
The discussion produced no formal ordinance or vote; the council reached consensus to have staff return with findings and recommendations for clear pavement markings and regulatory options.
