A task force previously formed to look into what can be done to alleviate a persistent parking issue on First Street has made some inroads, though plenty more work lies ahead.

Resident Nick Catania, who lives in the 100 block of South First Street, stated at last week’s borough council meeting how a task force was formed to come up with a parking resolution for First Street.

Catania, who a year ago stated at a borough council meeting that he wants to see the borough flourish, told borough council at Monday’s meeting that he was looking for an update on the situation.

Councilwoman Jordyn Miller informed Catania that the task force did meet and drew up some rough plans, adding there are drawings done.

Catania said he was glad to hear that.

“Parking is very important for the health of the downtown,” Catania said.

Mayor Ryan Saunders initially suggested the measure at borough council’s March 2025 meeting.

Borough council said at its February 2025 meeting that it was considering a two-hour parking limit in the business district on First Street.

Borough Manager Dane DeWire said at that time he would put it on one side and noted that the Lehighton Area Merchants Association borough the matter to his attention at its January 2025 meeting.

Borough police Chief Troy Abelovsky said at that time he wasn’t opposed to the idea, but was curious how they could enforce it.

DeWire said at that time the borough doesn’t have any parking limit on First Street.

He said it’s the same as the rest of the borough: 72 hours maximum; must be registered, inspected, and insured; no unattached trailers; and there are restrictions on axles.

Tina Henninger, of the Lehighton Area Merchants Association, said at that time the association would like to see it start out as a pilot program on First Street to see if it would actually help things.

Henninger said that since Jim Thorpe rerouted their traffic several years ago, that the businesses on First Street have suffered.

Complaints about parking on First Street have lingered for years.