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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

Residents scramble for parking spots due to snow

Recent snow storms have led Northampton Borough residents to place items in front of their homes to save parking spaces.

The borough has refused to remove such items.

The most striking example is Washington Avenue, which has houses on both sides of the street. Even with garages, most families have two or more vehicles.

Recently, borough public works department personnel plows were able to move snow piles.

There were the usual plastic crates, lawn chairs, wooden furniture chairs, rubber and metal garbage cans placed on the streets in an effort to secure a parking spot. One borough official said he counted 26 different items placed off the curb and sidewalk while others said there were 30 or more items. Also, there were unusual items observed such as a radio and a microwave oven placed on the street.

Borough Manager Gene Zarayko noted the borough has not overlooked the actions of residents. He concedes there are blocks where homeowners shovel out their parking space after working.

To date, there have been no incidents reported concerning parking disputes turned into physical altercations.

Zarayko, however, said borough resources have been tested to a maximum as borough personnel have worked many hours clearing the roads of snow.

During the most recent snowstorm, a truck filled with snow unloaded the snow behind the municipal building on Smith Lane, creating a small mountain.