Dear Editor,

The Streetscape Grant has given Lansford's Business District a chance at revitalization, but council's shortsighted decision to keep parking meters will adversely impact that chance.Council wants to keep vehicles moving, but most parking spots are empty. Meters make it less attractive to do business in Lansford. We need to attract people, not repel them.A doctor's patient shouldn't have to fear getting a ticket because the doctor is running late. Someone in town shouldn't have to hurry out to avoid a ticket.Lansford hardly ever enforces meters, and once in a blue moon when they do, they alienate people who believe tickets aren't issued. If the goal is to keep vehicles moving, why are parking permits sold that allow you to park at a meter all day? That makes as much sense as selling a permit allowing someone to litter without being fined.The objective of a parking policy should be to accommodate the needs of residents and business patrons. There are many ways other than meters to accomplish this. Signs on the street lights limiting parking to two hours might be sufficient.Businesses could buy parking spots for their clients. Some spots might be designated for resident parking only. There are countless ways to address this problem. Meters are a shortsighted and expensive approach. If Lansford receives a second Streetscape Grant, a total of $86,000 might be spent on meters, a sum which these meters will probably not recoup in their lifetime.The time for action is now. The first Streetscape project will be implemented in the spring. Whatever approach is taken will likely set the precedent for other Streetscape projects should we get the funding. Lansford has an opportunity to revitalize itself. Council needs to step up to the plate and remove the meters.David BenevySecretaryof Lansford Alive!