The Borough of Northampton's municipal parking lot has been very successful, so successful, in fact, that officials are concerned about the lot being too full.

Although there is space for "between 150 and 250 vehicles," Northampton Borough Manager Gene Zarayko said most of the time the lot is full or nearly full.

While borough officials are pleased to see the macadam lot well used, Zarayko wondered if many of the spots are taken by tenants of apartments on Main Street.

At a recent council meeting, officials kicked around some ideas to curb long-term parking, including the use of parking meters.

"They [council] came to no conclusion," Zarayko said.

A pet supply store, gospel chapel, dollar store and the Roxy Theatre depend heavily on the municipal parking lot, located on a blacktop strip between Main and Center streets, off 21st Street.

"It is our opinion residents in the apartments park there all day," Zarayko said. "We have apartments all around there."

In addition to installing parking meters in the lot, Zarayko said the police department would have to hire a meter enforcement officer. Another potential solution would be to discuss the issue with property owners.

The lot currently has a three-hour limit and parking is free.

Officials said they do not want to do anything that could hurt businesses whose customers use the lot.

"We spent a lot of money on the lot," Zarayko said.

The borough has addressed drainage and storm water issues, put down fresh paving, constructed curbs, sidewalks and islands and installed landscaping.