Downtown parking limits under fire
A number of downtown merchants are protesting the two-hour parking limits in effect by applying decals to the windows of their stores that read "Free Parking."
The decals went up Wednesday afternoon on some stores, the first on a window at upscale kitchen store Plum Pudding.
Christian Carlisle, Plum Pudding manager, said some business owners have always been against the parking limits in effect in designated areas downtown. Other business owners, however, still support the parking restrictions.
The two-hour limits are imposed Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on portions of Richland Avenue; in areas on Laurens, from Barnwell to Park Avenue; and in parking spaces in front of all businesses facing Pendleton Street, Park Avenue, Newberry Street and Barnwell Avenue.
In 2008, the limits were introduced after the Aiken Parking Advisory Committee recommended they be created following a study conducted by a transportation consultant.
The study found that about 111 parking spaces were being utilized for six hours or longer at various locations downtown.
"The consensus was something needed to be done. We polled Aiken Downtown Development Association members, and the consensus was to follow the professional's recommendation," said ADDA Executive Director Carla Cloud. "(Those who are against the limits) can certainly go to the Parking Advisory Committee and to the City of Aiken and say the culture has changed."
City Manager Roger LeDuc said the best procedure to take for business owners who are not in agreement with the two-hour limits is to talk with the downtown parking committee or members of the Aiken Downtown Development Association and come up with an agreement to bring before City Council.
Until he is advised otherwise by City Council, Aiken Department of Public Safety Capt. Wendell Hall said his officer will continue to enforce the limits. Parking limit violators are subject to a ticket of $10.
Hall supervises Public Safety's community services division, which enforces the parking ordinance.
The Aiken Standard polled several downtown merchants and members of City Council to get their opinions on the limits.
"If we're doing it to help them and they don't want them, then maybe we should look at it again." - City Councilwoman Beverly Clyburn
"Honestly, in light of the economy, I'm in favor of doing anything that's going to help businesses. I have for some time been in favor of removing the two-hour parking limit in the median on Laurens and leaving the limits in front of the businesses. It can be increased to two-and-a-half or three hours." - City Councilman Don Wells.
"It's certainly something I would consider. If it is an inducement to more business, I'm wholly in favor of it." - City Councilman Steve Homoki
"We will consider anything that has to do with parking. I'm not sure we need the limits with the economy the way that it is." - Mayor Fred Cavanaugh.
"I would like them to come to Council before putting signs up. Let's work together to find solutions. If businesses are being impacted, I'm willing to hear whatever their concerns are and work to come up with solutions," City Councilwoman Lessie Price.
"I think it would be nice if they were lifted. I feel that it's the employees tying up the spaces." - Milisa Godson, owner of Desserves.
"I am for the parking limits because it's for the employees. The time limit on parking adds more spaces for customers as opposed to taking them away. I don't refer to it as a 'parking problem.' It is a 'parking situation.' It is a good problem to have (people having trouble finding a space because others are shopping downtown)." - Van Smith, owner of Lionel Smith Ltd.
"I am a devout believer in the parking limits. It's all about access. The limits do what they're supposed to - keep employees off the street. They have been proven effective. It appeared we didn't have control over our parking spaces, and now we do. To go back to the way it was is counter-productive." - Det Haislip, owner of True Value Hardware and Appliances.
"The Parking Advisory Committee spent a considerable amount of time on the study because downtown business people and their employees were parking there. Now, there are places to park." - Ron Brenneman, owners of Birds & Butterflies.
"They should never have started them. The times have changed. Twelve stores have closed. The downtown image has been damaged. The parking limits say, 'Come to downtown Aiken, but hurry up and leave.' I ask them to stop restricting our businesses." - Mike Enloe, owner of Plum Pudding.
"I don't think parking limits send the right message for a welcoming shopping experience." - Katy Judd, manager of Equine Divine.
"The only reason I'm in favor of having them is because employees parked there and continue to park there. I don't like having them, but I don't like employees parking out there." - Mike Wilis, co-owner of Tea Garden Gifts.
City Councilman Reggie Ebner could not be reached at press time.