A Lansford borough businessman asked council Wednesday to consider getting rid of the parking meters in the downtown area.

Dave Benevy, owner of the Lansford Mini Mall, said Lansford has been approved for a $275,000 Streetscape Grant, with the application for the money being made jointly by the borough and Lansford Alive.Sought in the grant was $375,000. Benevy said of that amount, $44,000 was designated for parking meter replacement. He said since the amount is less than expected the parking meter replacement wasn't necessary.He said that although he's a member of Lansford Alive, he attended the meeting on his own.However, he presented a paper to the council signed by 13 business owners the majority of the business owners in the downtown who want the meters taken out.He said many of the parking meters don't work, which he said is a type of blight."We are asking council to test eliminating the meters," he said."We feel this is the time to evaluate the parking meter situation in Lansford," Benevy told the council. "Are we going to replace the meters or are we going to make Lansford more attractive to doing business?"Two council members disagreed with Benevy.Tommy Vadyak said he feels residents will utilize parking places meant for businesses if the meters are removed.Rose Mary Cannon agreed with Vadyak.Cannon said that getting the Streetscape Grant could potentially attract business to Lansford because "people will look and see that Lansford is trying to do something.""Did you discuss this with Lansford Alive?" asked council member Mary Soberik.Benevy said he had not.No action was taken by the council on the matter.