City Council voted this week to approve an ordinance removing the mid-block crosswalk in the 200 block of Pennsylvania Avenue West, a move city officials say will improve parking availability and address safety concerns downtown.

Council approved the ordinance by a 5-1 vote following a discussion that included comments from business owners on the 200 block and city staff.

The proposal will allow the city to create additional metered parking spaces where the crosswalk is currently located. Council also directed staff to explore the possibility of adding a public person with a disability parking space along the south curb of the block, though that issue will require a separate ordinance at a future meeting.

The discussion stems from concerns raised earlier this year by downtown business owners regarding parking shortages and illegal parking near the crosswalk. Officials said motorists frequently park in the striped no-parking areas near the crossing, creating visibility problems for both drivers and pedestrians.

City Police Chief Joseph Sproveri told council the crosswalk no longer meets current PennDOT recommendations because of its proximity to existing intersection crosswalks at Liberty Street and the nearby roundabout at Pennsylvania Avenue and Market Street. According to city officials, the crossing sits approximately 260 feet from neighboring crosswalks, below PennDOT’s recommended 300-foot threshold for mid-block crossings.

City staff also surveyed property and business owners in the block after council tabled the ordinance last month for additional review. According to Sproveri, seven businesses supported the proposal, one opposed it and two expressed no preference.

The removal of the crosswalk is expected to create several new metered parking spaces in the downtown corridor, an issue many business owners have identified as a growing concern.

Fred Watson, who originally brought concerns about the crosswalk to Council in February, said he has frequently observed pedestrians using the crossing, particularly during busy evening hours.

“I have seen it being used, and I know it’s used,” Watson told council.

Watson also questioned whether the proposed persons with a disability parking space was necessary in that location, suggesting existing parking options already accommodate accessibility needs. City staff indicated they would research the issue further before bringing any proposal back for consideration next month.

Council voted to approve the ordinance removing the crosswalk and directed city staff to investigate options for establishing a public persons with a disability parking space in the area.

Councilman Philip Gilbert cast the lone dissenting vote. Mayor David Wortman was absent from the meeting.