Several Lehighton business owners are concerned they would lose parking spaces if a proposed traffic signal is installed at Ninth and Bridge streets.

Terry Blocker, owner of Blocker Enterprises Inc., at 497 S. Ninth St., told borough council on Monday that the light would be a detriment to his business.“I think it’s going to have a major impact on my business,” Blocker said.Kim DePue, owner of Kim DePue Insurance Agency at 499 S. Ninth St., echoed that sentiment as he shared with council the impact the proposed traffic light would have on his business.“I’m not asking to give us more parking (back), just leave the parking where it is,” DePue said. “This could very easily put me out of business.”Councilman Scott Rehrig, who participated in the meeting via Skype, assured DePue and Blocker that council is taking the matter seriously.“This council does want to work with you 200 percent,” Rehrig said.Resident John Rupell, who lives at 495 S. Ninth St., said he was also concerned about parking.“I’m here to fight for my few parking spaces that I really need,” Rupell said.School district officials have approved $33 million for the construction of a K-5 elementary center on the district’s main campus.At a special meeting earlier this month, council adopted a resolution to have borough Manager Nicole Beckett submit an application for traffic signal approval to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.The district would be responsible for the construction of the traffic light and cost of construction, while the borough would be responsible for the maintenance of the light and take ownership once constructed.The four corners of the intersection would be handicapped accessible, officials said.Last month, council agreed to have its solicitor, Jim Nanovic, draft an ordinance for a “right-turn only” on Ninth Street from Union Street to improve safety at an intersection used by students to leave the high school campus.But Beckett said the ordinance has been put on hold.Borough Police Chief Brian Biechy said some form of traffic control is needed.Beckett said delineators have been installed to direct traffic to the right, along with signs posted for right turns only.However, in order to enforce signs, an ordinance needs to be adopted, Beckett said.There is only one exit from the district due to construction of the new elementary center, creating even more of a concern, she said.