Being out and about in the community and frequenting local businesses almost on a daily basis, I have made some observations during the recent blizzard that many of the businesses I patronize, as well as other citizens of Kutztown, have taken a substantial business hit over the week or so span of storm and cleanup. The biggest issue is the lack of available parking and ease in which senior citizens can get to their destinations of choice safely to partake in gatherings or chores.
Please let us think also of the senior citizens during these times and keep in mind that walking and the ability to do so is good exercise and a luxury we often take for granted. About a half a dozen or so people, knowing that I write for the paper, have mentioned their frustrations or asked me if I knew anything about the inner workings of borough snow removal, help for the elderly with shoveling, available parking, etc.
I do know that the college encourages their students to move their cars from university lots so their lots can be plowed, thus over-populating the neighboring streets with ample spots already lacking, especially during these times. The problem is compounded when the borough closes certain streets for snow removal or where there is permit parking only, and those paying a yearly fee see an overload of illegally parked cars in front of their residences when some are older citizens or others have young kids to watch over, and long walks have to be undertaken to get to their homes.
But, perhaps the biggest problem area for community members is landlords not accounting for snow removal for their tenants, which again is their responsibility, that has caused the most uproar with these inquiring citizens. Citing the profiting of thousands upon thousands of dollars per year, this seems to be the biggest resentment from the common citizen in that many of these property owners are also on the Borough Council and perhaps should be held to a higher standard in modeling proper regulations.
I am not sure what proper etiquette should be, but if college students are vacating their lots and filling larger town lots such as the CVS parking lot, and the majority of Main Street, our local businesses who pay heavy taxes take a substantial business hit during these times, elderly are forced into more dangerous situations and we have unsettled citizens towards other members of the community and transients. With all these young able-bodied people, I encourage for the sake of morality to do the extra walking and to help the elderly if you see them struggling with shoveling.
Historically speaking, we have always been an area of God and Country, and helping thy fellow neighbor, so please let’s contribute to the well-being of OUR community, whether permanent or temporary!
Richard L.T. Orth is assistant director of the American Folklife Institute in Kutztown.