Proposed legislation to eliminate some parking spaces in a small Hokendauqua condiminium complex drew objections from residents of Front and Quarry streets at Monday's Whitehall Township Commissioners' workshop meeting.

On the agenda at the meeting was a discussion of an ordinance brought to the board for their approval by township Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr., who said the removal of parking spaces addresses a safety issue.

Board President Linda Snyder said before the board votes on the ordinance, it will hear from township Fire Chief Robert Benner and Police Chief Linda Kulp about their stance on the issue.

The residents were encouraged by Snyder to return to the Monday, April 14 commissioners' meeting.

The legislation sought by Hozza would establish no-parking zones along both sides of Quarry Street, an alley, between 140 feet north of North Street and 390 feet south, to its end, and also on North Street, between North Front Street and Quarry Street. Affected would be approximately 20 parking spaces.

Hozza told the residents an audit was performed by the township's insurance carrier regarding high-occupancy units in the township.

There is a parking lot for the condo residents. At issue is that the fire department's aerial fire truck needs to be able to reach the condos in the event of a fire.

"We have to be pro-active to protect the residents if there was a fire," Hozza said. He pointed out recent large fires in the township, at Helfrich Springs Apartments off Mickley Road and at the Perkins Restaurant on MacArthur Road.

"I like to get something from the fire department," Commissioner Gerard Palagonia said.

"One parking space is not a lot," Board Vice President Philip Ginder said of vehicle parking that would remain for the condo tenants if the on-street parking is eliminated.

Tricia Gasdik, who resides on Quarry Street, said she is agreeable to a compromise solution.

Permitting the drop off of groceries and other short-term parking solutions was also suggested as a solution.

Anita Lukow of Front Street said it is a matter of convenience for the condo residents to park on Quarry Street. The 15 condo units do not have assigned parking.

Hozza continued to emphasize the safety issue.

"Today we fight fires fully engulfed," he said. "The aerial truck is massive."