Clark Council adopts ordinance to add handicap parking at municipal complex

The Township of Clark Council on Aug. 3 adopted Ordinance 26-24 to expand handicap parking at the municipal/recreation and senior center from four spaces to eight.

Mayor Albanese told the council the change responds to requests from seniors who attend programming at the municipal complex. "This ordinance will bring us a total of 8 handicapped spaces to address this need," the mayor said during his summary of the agenda. No members of the public spoke during the hearing. Council member Toll moved to close public comment and later moved adoption; Council member Hunt seconded and a roll-call vote recorded seven "yes" votes and the ordinance was adopted.

The ordinance amends Chapter 347 of the township code to increase the number of designated handicap spaces at the municipal building parking lot. Supporters said the change shortens the walk for older residents attending senior-center activities and improves accessibility for people with medical needs. The council president called the measure routine and enacted it on the consent of the body after the motion and roll call.

The council did not attach an implementation timeline to the ordinance during the meeting. The mayor said the administration and police department had worked with property managers to identify locations and that the change grew from resident requests.