A lease agreement with PNC Bank, allowing public parking in its lot on Main Street, was approved by the Township Committee and signed by Mayor Michael Mayes on Monday.
By:Casha Caponegro
A lease agreement with PNC Bank, allowing public parking in its lot on Main Street, was approved by the Township Committee and signed by Mayor Michael Mayes on Monday.
The agreement will allow the placement of a sign on Main Street, directing motorists to 12 public parking spaces in the back of the PNC Bank parking lot.
The committee approved the contract unanimously Monday. The contract now needs final approval by PNC.
The availability of public parking has been an ongoing discussion between the township and downtown merchants and businesses for the last few years.
In the winter of 1999, the township hired consultants Carl Hintz and Laura Memeger to analyze Main Street and explore possible ways to revitalize the downtown area.
The consultants concluded that the town had 58 fewer parking spaces than it would need if all businesses and downtown residences were filled.
According to their report, which was submitted to the committee in January of 1999, there were 181 off-street spaces and 99 on-street spaces for public parking in the downtown area.
However, if the 32,000 square feet of available retail space, 25,000 square feet of office space and 64 residential units in the district were occupied, the parking needs would require 338 spaces.
One of the suggestions made by Mr. Hintz at the time of the report was to lease a portion of the 55-space bank lot, which he found to be rarely full. Mr. Hintz also recommended the posting of signs throughout town to direct vehicles to the lot.
"It was common sense that if the town can provide extra public parking to do so," said Committeeman Tom Gambino, who felt that using the PNC lot for public parking would be more convenient for businesses and their patrons.
Township Attorney Bill Moran initiated negotiations with a PNC representative in spring 1999, receiving a tentative OK in June for the use of between 10 to 12 spaces.
The agreement has since been held up by PNC Bank’s legal department in Pittsburgh.
"Most of the local residents know that the lot is available for public parking," said Committeeman Alan Danser. "This will ensure that out-of-towners will also know that it is all right to park there."
The contract allows the township to use the PNC lot for public parking. In return, the bank would not be responsible for any vehicles damaged or stolen from the lot.
The committee also will submit to PNC a design of the proposed sign, which will be placed outside of the bank’s parking lot entrance to direct motorists to the public parking spaces.
In addition to the bank, the sign will also have to be approved by the Historical Preservation Advisory Committee before it can be placed where it would be visible to all motorists on Main Street.

