Council Moves Forward on Valet Parking Proposal

Valet parking will be coming to a curb near you.

On Thursday, the Newtown Borough Council moved forward on a proposal to bring valet parking to State Street in time for the holiday season.

Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing president Julia Woldorf to sign an agreement for valet parking once some outstanding documents and details are finalized.

The plan will utilize 40 spaces at the Centre Avenue lot behind the Wine and Spirits Shoppe for a three-month valet parking trial run. Patrons who wish to utilize the valet service will be charged $7 to park for the day. The service will be offered Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

The car drop-off area will be located on State Street in the two spaces in front of the , however those who use the service can visit any downtown location. The police chief and zoning officer will determine the appropriate signage and traffic control devices, Borough Solicitor Paul Cohen explained.

Temperance House General Manager Erica Darragh is spearheading the effort.  She said it's important that valet parking begin in the coming weeks so it's fully functional by the holiday season.

But before the trial run officially begins, borough officials say they need written proof of insurance from the valet company as well a resolution by the Newtown Corporation authorizing approval of the agreement. The Newtown Corporation has agreed to be the responsible party named on the contract with the valet company.

That fact irked some council members but did not deter them from approving the plan.

“This is a wonderful idea. It has the support of the entire business district,” Council member Mike Sellers said, adding he wanted to “register a very deep and ongoing concern” that the Newtown Corporation is listed as the responsible party of the agreement.

Darragh said no other parties stepped up to be listed on the contract and she had exhausted all of her resources.

Formed 11 years ago, the Newtown Corporation is an economic development organization initially created to serve the interests of both the township and borough.  Recently, the relationship between the organization and some borough officials has soured.

Last month, Cohen announced that Newtown Township sent a letter asking the borough to withdraw from the Newtown Corporation.  No action has been taken yet on that matter.