RIPLEY, Tenn. — No one likes getting a parking ticket, and city officials in Ripley are trying to make things easier for people parking downtown. Especially those going to the doctor’s office. But not all of the local business owners are on board with the new changes.
Even on a rainy Friday folks are out and about in Ripley’s downtown square. But not everyone always reads the sign signifying two-hour parking limits.
Jane Connell owns an antiques store downtown. She told WREG this parking limit doesn’t work, “It can be used and abused.
Connell says people ignore these signs, and it can be a problem for her business.
“People come in and out. And if they can’t find a parking place they keep going,” She explained.
So police started issuing tickets if you stay parked too long. This got a lot of people worked up. Especially people going to the doctor, and the hair salon.
Quadesha Henning added, “If somebody is getting their hair done and can’t move their car, that’s kind of hard.”
The mayor’s office tells WREG there’s been so much outcry over the parking limit that they’ve extended it to four hours. Some are even talking about abolishing it all together.
Quadesha added, “It’s better, but I don’t think there Should be a limited time.”
The mayor and the aldermen will meet again in April to decide on a more permanent solution. In the meantime, the hunt for the best spot, is on.
Connell added, “A lady yesterday drove around five times before she could find a parking space.”
The next meeting is set for April 6th.
