Northampton Borough Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski Sr., at the March 16 meeting of borough council, said something needs to be done to free up some parking spaces for business patrons who utilize the community lot on Center Street. The parking lot is filled with vehicles daily, he said, often by people who park their vehicles in the large, blacktopped lot for hours on end.

“We need a program to identify these people,” Lopsonzski said, of vehicles not moved from the spaces during the entire day and evening when businesses need spaces for their customers.

Lopsonzski said he brought the issue to council after being approached by several business owners. The vehicles seem to be from people living in apartments in the area, most likely west of Center Street, he said.

The councilman added his concern is that if patrons can’t get to the businesses, some on Main Street and on Center Street, the consequences won’t be good for the borough.

Ideas mentioned by Lopsonzski to address the problem included designating the area with signs for special use, lining the parking spaces, using permit parking and enforcing time limits for parking.

It was mentioned car pooling may be another reason many cars are in the parking lot, leaving vehicles for extended periods of time.

A council committee may be formed to study the issue; however, no formal action was taken.

The borough has invested funding constantly to improve the lot with upgrades, including landscaping and lighted holiday decorations.