As an owner of a business in downtown Hanover, I have witnessed firsthand how the removal of public parking spots in favor of outdoor restaurant seating has negatively affected the community and hindered local businesses like mine. Parking has always been scarce in town, and the conversion of multiple parking areas into parkettes for outdoor dining exclusively serves the interests of only four businesses, rather than the wider community.

Many of my customers have expressed their frustration with the parking situation, with some declaring they will not return to Hanover due to the inconvenience. This has directly impacted my business and others that rely on foot traffic. While these changes were perhaps necessary during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, they are no longer suitable for our current situation and need to be re-evaluated.  One restaurant is not even open during the day, but the spaces are still taken. 

We must prioritize the needs of the entire community and restore public parking on Main Street to support all businesses and visitors who frequent downtown Hanover. By doing so, we will encourage more customer visits, enhance the economic vitality of the area, and ensure fair competition among all local enterprises.

Sign this petition to urge local authorities to remove outdoor restaurant seating from public parking spots on Main Street and restore these spaces for the benefit of all businesses and visitors in Hanover. With your support, we can create a fairer, more accessible downtown for everyone.