Jim Thorpe proposes resident parking permits

A draft parking permit ordinance has residents in one section of Jim Thorpe Borough asking for more input.

The ordinance in question, which was drafted by Jim Thorpe’s planning commission, would require a parking permit for West Broadway and High Street residents and between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. on weekdays.

Full-time residents, who live in a dwelling for at least 275 days per year, and part-time residents who live in a dwelling for between 90 and 275 days per year, would be eligible for two annual permits and one temporary permit per address.

The annual permit would cost $24 per year and the temporary permit, to be used for visitors, would cost $15 for six months.

Commercial property owners would be eligible for one annual permit.

Even though the ordinance was just in draft form, it came as a surprise to many residents in that section of town.

“I’m a little concerned you came up with this ordinance without asking the affected people for input,” James Gilmore, 50 W. Broadway, told council during a workshop last week.

Councilman John McGuire, who also sits on Thorpe’s planning commission, said the intent of the ordinance is to help protect residents. Parking in that area of town, he added, is a huge concern given the number of renters and tourists who chew up a large share of available spaces, requiring residents, in some instances, to walk great distances from their vehicle to the front door.

Jim Thorpe is currently waiting on the results of a comprehensive transportation study, largely funded through a federal grant secured by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance, conducted by Chance Management. Borough officials expect that, at the earliest, the study will be completed by the end of the year.

On Thursday, Councilman Jay Miller said no decision had been or would be made in the near future on the permit ordinance.

“That study is looking at all aspects of transportation such as parking, vehicle traffic and foot traffic,” Councilman Jay Miller said.

“I don’t know why we would rush this ordinance or anything regarding parking before that study is finished. This permit ordinance can be worked on or people can talk about it, but I’d like to hear opinions after the study, not right now.”

Jim Thorpe’s zoning ordinance requires one off-street parking space shall be provided for each guest room in a bed-and-breakfast, but council said it is waiting for legal interpretation on how that applies to travel websites such as vrbo.com and airbnb.com.

“I think you should just enforce what you have now and not try to reinvent the law,” Betty Lou McBride said.

According to the draft ordinance, unlawful parking in the permit parking zone would carry a fine of $100.

Other violations, such as the unauthorized sale of a permit or letting an unauthorized individual use a permit would result in up to a $300 fine and potential for up to 30 days in prison if the fine is not paid.

Multiple offenses would carry up to a $500 penalty and up to 30 days in prison for a default in payment.

Council told residents there would be public meetings on the permit ordinance where the opportunity for input would be available.