EASTON, Pa. — An amendment to Easton’s vehicles and traffic code will ensure at that some downtown residents will be able to get handicapped parking spots near their homes.
Easton City Council on Wednesday passed Bill No. 26, which refines an exemption statement for handicapped spots. Previously, the spots were restricted throughout the downtown district and business and entertainment district.
Now, the code restricts handicapped parking “within the downtown area of 5th Street and south of Snyder Street.”
Councilman Frank Pintabone, who introduced the bill, said he was inspired to edit the language of the code after hearing from at least one person who would have suffered under the previous restriction.
"I'm, like, so grateful and so excited that I don't have to worry about this. I'll be able to come and go like a normal person, and that's just a wonderful thing."Sally Kissling
Pintabone said he first heard about Sally Kissling on Facebook, when multiple posters in an Easton group tagged him to help her deal with getting a handicapped parking spot near her residence.
“And I'm so grateful," Kissling said. "I'm, like, so grateful and so excited that I don't have to worry about this. I'll be able to come and go like a normal person.
"And that's just a wonderful thing."
Shortly after he put the process in motion, Pintabone introduced the amendment to permit handicapped spots across a few residential blocks that had previously been blocked out by the existing language.
“I knew it was going to happen. We just had to go through the motions. But I'm glad we're going to help a lot of people,” Pintabone said.
The application process
Those interested in procuring a handicapped space should contact the City Health Officer, complete an application, and return it along with a check for processing and cost of materials and labor.
“I've already celebrated with a lot of people before today because we knew it was coming so but I'm glad council did the right thing today."Frank Pintabone
After a review by the City Health Officer, the Easton Police Department takes the application, inspects the proposed area for the handicapped spot, and evaluates the potential impact on traffic flow and safety in the area before advising the City Health Officer.
Once the complete application is received, the City Health Officer has 30 days to either approve or submit the application to the Board of Health, which can reevaluate it as need be.
“I've already celebrated with a lot of people before today because we knew it was coming so but I'm glad council did the right thing today,” Pintabone said.
