New Hope will operate a new parking lot at the Eagle Fire Company on property owned by the American Legion.
By: Linda Seida
NEW HOPE Merchants and employees who want to reserve a spot in the borough’s new parking lot should act fast because permits will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
It could be a month or so before the permits are distributed, according to borough Manager John Burke. The permits themselves must be prepared, and signs need to be installed. But interested persons shouldn’t wait until then to reserve a spot, Mr. Burke said.
The borough recently signed an agreement with the New Hope Eagle Fire Company that will allow for the operation of a new municipal parking lot on a portion of property owned by the American Legion. The fire company leases the property seven days a week but uses it only Friday evening through Sunday night.
"The idea is to provide parking at the south end of town for merchants and employees and free more parking spaces for tourists and customers," Mr. Burke said.
In recent years, some parking spots in the south end have been lost to development, although Mr. Burke couldn’t say how many.
"This is an attempt to try to stem that tide," he said.
The agreement will be enacted on a trial basis for one year "to see if there’s a demand or not," Mr. Burke said.
The permits will allow merchants and their employees to use the American Legion lot from Monday morning until 5 p.m. Friday. Thirty spaces will be up for grabs at a cost of $500 each for a year.
Mr. Burke said the cost is "a real bargain" compared to daily metered parking or the cost of permit parking in another borough lot. Thirty-six other spaces are reserved for permit parking in the borough at a cost of $950 per permit per year.
To cover its costs, the borough will keep $100 from each permit sale, which equals 20 percent of the $500 fee. The borough is responsible for signage, preparation of the permits and such lot maintenance as snowplowing and deicing, according to Mr. Burke.
The fire company will receive $400 from each permit sold.
"There’s no better local cause than supporting the New Hope Eagle Fire Company," Mr. Burke said.
To reserve a parking spot or find out more, call Janell Hammond, assistant borough manager and treasurer, at (215) 862-3347.

