The increasing number of vehicles covered by blue tarps in neighborhoods with limited space - some inoperable and missing parts - has council seriously discussing the junked or abandoned vehicles ordinance Feb. 5.

Currently, under Chapter 430 of the code index, the borough does not allow junked or abandoned vehicles, unless the owner has a permit and covers the vehicles with a blue tarp. The permit cost $50 per vehicle and is valid for one year. The owner has the option to renew at the end of a year.

Based on complaints from residents and observations from local officials, borough council is considering adjusting the ordinances to address problems that some believe are getting out of hand.

According to borough Solicitor Michael Corriere, the nuisance law itself does not prohibit someone from having the vehicle covered with a blue tarp. For the borough to take any further action, they must point to something specific that would be a safety issue to the public. Examples include broken glass, animals living in the vehicles, leaking fluid, sharp edges etc.

Some time ago, the borough recognized it was a fluid situation and tried to remedy the problem by requiring residents to cover them with blue tarps, however, it’s become apparent that many individuals are paying for the permits but making little to no effort making repairs and leaving the vehicles out in the open for long periods of time.

From borough officials’ perspective, there is an obvious difference between those who are making a conscience effort to repair the vehicles and those who do not address their vehicles and would rather pay the $50 permit fee.

From a neighborhood perspective, some residents feel that the vehicles are taking up space with small lots to begin with. It’s not unusual for some to have multiple vehicles covered with blue tarps on a property and then leaving their operating vehicles out on a street that may have limited parking to begin with. Also, some residents see the vehicles with the blue tarps as an eyesore and believe it will lower their property values.

Various ideas to tighten the ordinance were discussed by board members. Some of the options included adjusting permits fees, reducing permit timeframes, requiring individuals to show repair progress and lowering the number of vehicles allowed per resident.

Local officials plan on discussing viable options for addressing the ordinance in the coming weeks.