Residents are questioning Walnutport Borough Council about not being able to park on Birch Street.

The matter was discussed at last month’s meeting so the borough banned parking on Birch Street, between Lincoln Avenue and Williams Avenue.

That drew the wrath of several residents, who said at last week’s borough council meeting that other streets in the borough have more parking than what they have available to them.

Council President Michael Gaston said it’s an issue that needs to be addressed.

“There’s cars (on Birch Street) that don’t move for days,” Gaston said.

One resident asked if council would consider opening up a paper alley behind their homes because there’s no room for parking.

Gaston said he wasn’t the one who developed it, and added things are like this in every municipality.

The resident countered that if it was such a concern, why didn’t council do it right away.

Borough police Chief Pete Wayda said they are trying to resolve the problem.

Councilwoman Patrice Hunsicker said she doesn’t believe it’s up to the borough to tell them what to do with their garages.

Gaston then suggested that residents petition the borough to open the alley to allow for additional parking.

Gaston also said that council would hold a public hearing on the motion in the event the petition gets 51% of property owners that abut along the portion to be opened.

Last month, council said it may opt for no parking on a portion of a road after officials said it’s inundated with vehicles parked on the street.

Councilman Harold Greene told borough council at that meeting that the matter needs to be addressed.

Gaston said at that time that some residents have too many cars and don’t want to park their vehicles in their driveways.

He said at that time there are 12 town houses and “cars galore.”

Gaston added there are instances where cars don’t move from Birch Street for days, weeks, sometimes even months at a time.

However, Hunsicker said at that time they can’t tell people they have to park (on) their driveways and not on the streets.

Borough fire Chief Mike Wentz said if there’s a fire there, the fire company is not going to be responsible if it can’t get its ladder truck up.

Gaston suggested at that time that council make it no parking on the north side of Birch Street, and noted that the other side of the street has a lot more parking.

Wayda suggested designating no parking for 90 days and see how things go.

Wayda said at that time the borough has a solid argument, as it can’t maintain it in the winter because it can’t get through, and the fire department can’t fight a fire if has to under the current set up.