[Between the Lines]

but the original intent of Handicapped Parking Spaces were to provide additional space to maneuver for those confined to a wheelchair. Not so they could get a closer parking space to the store!

From the American with Disabilities Act (the people that brought you handicapped parking):

Accessible parking spaces must be located on the shortest accessible route of travel to an accessible facility entrance. Where buildings have multiple accessible entrances with adjacent parking, the accessible parking spaces must be dispersed and located closest to the accessible entrances.

When accessible parking spaces are added in an existing parking lot, locate the spaces on the most level ground close to the accessible entrance. An accessible route must always be provided from the accessible parking to the accessible entrance. An accessible route never has curbs or stairs, must be at least 3- feet wide, and has a firm, stable, slip-resistant surface...

[camle]

actually HC parking was aaround long before the ADA, which was proposed by Reagan and signed by GHWB.

[cuz_it_aint_their_money]

From the American with Disabilities Act (the people that brought you handicapped parking):

Correction, the people that hijacked the idea for handicapped parking for their own use!
For your enlightenment, the correct title is "The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990" and took effect July 26, 1992.

I was referring to handicapped parking spaces which I can remember as far back as 1965. These parking spaces were half again as wide as normal parking spaces, were located next to a cut out at the curb and were usually identified by a sign stating "Handicapped Parking Only" and with a picture of a stick figure in a wheelchair. (Something else hijacked by the ADA and that has come to represent "anybody who can convince their doctor to write them an excuse").
But then again, I'm using common sense and logical reasoning, whereas most of the people arguing with me are going on raw emotions.