Residents on Ninth Street were recently surprised to learn the borough painted white parking lines on the street without prior notification to those living on the street.

Former Councilman Michael Bernini, a resident living on the west side of Ninth Street, provided council with a series of photos showing the white parking lines, one a picture of a pickup truck that extended into a second marked parking space, at the Sept. 5 meeting.

Borough crews painted not only a section on the west side of Ninth Street with white lines, but several parking spaces in front of the Northampton Liederkranz and the side street.

Mentioning he represents other property owners with the same concerns, Bernini asked council to remove the white lines. He said the distance between the lines is too small for vehicles to park in the spaces.

"We have no parking problems, never had a problem," Bernini said. He said residents were caught off guard to see the lines painted.

"We did not ask for them," he said.

Councilman Ed Pany, who represents the 3rd ward responded to Bernini's complaint.

"I will support you," he said. "I want your neighbors to be satisfied."

There was mention later during the meeting the request for the striped white lines came from the club or others affiliated with it since parking is at a premium in the area.

Councilman Robert Coleman said the painting of the lines for parking spaces was not done with malice.

The issue had never come before council for a vote.

Borough Manager Gene Zarayko said the administration received a request for the line painting.

"We paint them at 20 feet," he said, noting PennDOT paints lines for parking spaces less than 20 feet.

"We've done this all over town," he said. "This is the first group who don't want it."

Council President John Yurish also responded to Bernini.

"Just give us a few days to work on it," he said. "We'll work on it ASAP."

Zarayko told Bernini if the council decides against the white parking lines, "they will be blacked out." He mentioned the borough painted such parking lines on Main Street, Ninth to Edelweis Tavern.

Two days after council met, the white lines were painted black by borough crews.