Our tax dollars pay for parking enforcement. The City Council also spent $$$$$$$ to a parking enforcement company for a parking study last summer. No real data only speculation based on what may happen. The public comment from that study shows an overwhelming majority of us understand how paid parking can go from reasonable management resources to a public deterrent to business. It is time the City took a step back and allow FREE parking at night.

Our former Mayor Nat Robertson, had this to say last week about the parking situation.

There is a cost to the downtown parking... not just to those who work and shop but to the city as well. No one is discussing what the city is paying McLaurin Parking Service ($800,000.00 annually). Is it really worth the cost to all parties, including the tax payers? I would contend for downtown shopping to be competitive with other areas, parking should be free. The little revenue gained ($200,000.00) by charging for parking, doesn’t even cover the cost of the contracted parking.

Keep signing the petitions. Want to pay to stroll in your downtown at night and enjoy a cup of Tea or a glass of Wine?