Mount Gretna continues accessible parking discussion, recaps art show

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Mount Gretna Borough Council took no action regarding an accessible parking spot near a resident’s home on Pennsylvania Avenue following a discussion on Sept. 8, but members said they would look to add it on the agenda for further dialogue next month.

Council originally denied the request in April. They said they could not designate the spot for one person, so anyone with a placard would be able to take the spot. Council members also questioned whether this resident was in the borough year-round. They voted again in August to reaffirm their denial decision.

Since that meeting, solicitor Keith Kilgore said the resident has continued communication with him and confirmed that Mount Gretna is their permanent residence, they have a handicapped parking placard, and they have their license. Officials continued the debate with this additional information.

Council president William Kleinfelter said granting one parking space could be “opening a can of worms” in an area that already struggles with parking availability. He added that the Mount Gretna community is very hilly, and the resident may still have to walk a considerable distance if someone else takes the spot.

“My concern is that this proliferates,” councilman Robert Eynon said. “What’s stopping every old person in our community — we have a lot, including ourselves — at some point saying I want a handicapped parking spot at my entrance?”

Councilwoman Deborah Simpson said council could look into how many accessible parking spots would be beneficial throughout the borough, but then they would have to figure out where to place them. Overall, she said they should gather more information before their continued discussion next meeting.

Kleinfelter said they want to inform nearby residents about the parking discussion to get public feedback.

Art Show report

Mayor Kerry Royer, also the director of the Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show, reported the numbers of this year’s show on Aug. 16 and 17. She reported the show welcomed 10,321 people at the gate, not includomg event volunteers and hundreds of artists.

It generated about $21,457.05 for the fire company, and about $2,000 of that funding will go to the fire police’s traffic control in Colebrook. $23,348.46 will go to the Mount Gretna Borough’s special projects fund.

In other business, council:

• Approved its 2026 pension obligation of $29,818. Kleinfelter said the borough expects to get the money back through state aid.
• Approved a resolution recognizing a former borough official.

Mount Gretna Borough Council will meet next at 6 p.m. on Oct. 13 at the firehouse on Boulevard Street.