This story originally appeared in The Centre County Gazette.
BELLEFONTE — A new parking space was installed by the Courthouse Annex on South Allegheny Street in Bellefonte, specifically reserved for veterans to use. The new parking space was made possible by borough Mayor Buddy Johnson in an effort to give veterans the opportunity to park for free while in downtown Bellefonte.
“This is an initiative that was brought to my attention through conversation with members of our community. It has been noticed that other communities across the state, as well as the nation, have similar spots to honor those who served our country,” Johnson said.
Bellefonte has both lot and meter parking options, with meters monitored Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon, and with parking free on Sundays and major holidays. There are blue, red and silver meters, with blue meters reserved as handicap only and silver meters have a maximum of two-hour parking.
Red meters can be found along:
- North Allegheny Street — 23 spaces available
- South Allegheny Street — 20 spaces available
- East Howard Street — 12 spaces available
- North Spring Street — 16 spaces available
- South Spring Street — seven spaces available
- East High Street — 30 spaces available
The newest parking spot will be available on the honor system for those who have served the country to use as needed when in Bellefonte. For Johnson, this new spot is a way for the community to say thank you to those who have served.
“I feel this is something that is well deserved for anyone who visits the Borough of Bellefonte,” Johnson said. “It is just our way of thanking those who have so bravely and courageously defended our rights as U.S. citizens.”
