Downtown parking in the middle of the street has been a part of what makes New Albany stand out as a little historic city. It's unusual and quirky. Tourist are in awe of it but more than that it's what keeps our stores downtown alive and thriving. Without it there's less parking and a huge inconvenience for deliveries being made to the businesses. Most businesses downtown are run by 1-2 employees so stepping out the front door to receive a package is crucial and will cost owners time and money if they have to close up to to run to the library and meet delivery trucks that may carry appliances or ammo and artillery (which would be an easy way to rob a gun store). Consumers will not want to walk even further to shop, especially in 100° temps, rainy days or 30° with wind. 

By taking away that parking downtown you're risking these mom and pop shops (some of which have been around 20+ yrs) to start closing down. Even though there's not a lot of extra parking in the center it's enough to help deliveries be made with ease as well as a quick ooh I need to run into this shop and grab this or that. It's easy and convenient.

There's a meeting Tuesday night at City Hall, we have to speak and speak quickly and loudly in hopes to stop this. Our elected officials need to hear from those that voted them in, those that gave them their paychecks and remind them they work for us. Bottom line is someone stands to line their pocket from this deal and it's not our business owners. They weren't given any say in the matter and it effects them most.