The West Chester Parking Department is doing a review of all handicapped parking spaces in the Borough. For the last who knows how many years the process to get a handicap spot in the Borough has been the same. You contact the Parking Department with the necessary documentation – valid driver’s license showing Borough residency, vehicle registration, handicapped placard, and handicapped ID card – and the Parking Director brings your request to Borough Council.
However, as it turns out, there is no process for renewing or monitoring these spots once approved. Now the Borough has more than 100 on-street parking spots designated as handicapped and they are not entirely sure who is using them.
“We have at least 100 parking spaces ordained [handicapped],” Parking Director Ramsey Reiner told Parking Committee members this week. However, her attempts to verify their owners were less than fruitful. “I think I might have gotten 15 to 20 responses,” she said regarding a letter she sent to the registered addresses.
So, now the Parking Department is moving forward with a full-fledged audit. Signs are being posted to all handicap markers in the Borough with directions on how to claim the spot. Spots that are not claimed will have their designation removed.
“We are definitely not trying to remove anything people need and use,” said Ramsey. “We just need contacts.”
If you have and use a handicapped space, notify the Borough and be prepared to show the necessary documentation (see above) or risk losing your spot.
After the audit is complete expect additional changes to the handicap parking ordinance including an annual renewal requirement.
Originally published on May 10, 2024
This story was part of a longer West Chester newsletter featuring all the news and events of the week. Curious what else is going on? Subscribe now to get the full story. New issues come out on Fridays!