Two handicapped parking spaces to be added at Nahant Library

NAHANT – Two handicapped parking spaces will be added to the popular 10-minute parking area outside the Nahant Public Library in an attempt to make the it more accessible for disabled residents.At the request of a library staff person, Library Director Jen Inglis went before the Board of Selectmen Wednesday night to advocate for handicapped parking on Pleasant Street, which sparked a mild debate between Chairman Michael Manning and Vice Chairman Richard Lombard.?It may not be the largest population that visits the library,” said Manning. “A lot of elderly people use the library that don?t have handicapped stickers and you may be pushing them away.”Manning said he sees at least four cars parked along the street on a daily basis since library users widely ignore the 10-minute parking sign.Lombard said more disabled individuals may use the library if handicapped parking were available. “The number for handicapped stickers is probably over 250 in town,” he said. “We?re coming from zero (spots) to at least two. It should be accessible especially because it?s a beautiful library.”Manning suggested just one parking space be put in for a six month trial. “We just wouldn?t want to overreact in one way,” he said. “People know parking is limited around town.”Manning agreed to the two spaces after Inglis spoke up and said one may not be enough since it would be regularly taken up by her staff person. Manning said they would put two spaces in and review the effect at a later date.Kait Taylor can be reached at [email protected].