While locals complain about parking, Hatboro Mayor Tim Schultz says the issue is more perception than reality, writes Dino Ciliberti for the Patch.
Schultz says there’s plenty of parking downtown, pointing to spots behind Produce Junction as prime real estate—though borough officials clarify those are reserved for nearby stores. Still, Schultz stands by the simplicity of the system: “Putting a quarter in or a credit card is easy.”
As the weather warms up, Hatboro hopes residents will park, walk, and stay awhile. The borough’s First Fridays are back, with the next one set for May 2. It’s part of a larger effort to boost foot traffic and revive York Road’s business district—one that locals have called “too crowded” or filled with too many of the same types of businesses.
But not everyone’s down on Hatboro. Walkable Jenkintown, a group that champions pedestrian-first design, recently gave a nod to Hatboro in a Facebook post, praising its ease of parking and safe sidewalks. “A Jenkintown resident can only dream,” they wrote.
Schultz, who grew up nearby, said the comparison felt validating. To him, Jenkintown is a lot like Hatboro.
To encourage more walkability, Hatboro amended its zoning to allow apartment construction along York Road. Two projects are already underway—bringing new residents and new energy to this slice of Montco.
Read more about Hatboro’s downtown walkability in the Patch.
