Forgotten two-hour parking limit causes concerns in Gentry

— Due to a complaint filed with the Gentry Police Department, an ordinance provision (in Chapter 8.24) restricting parking on portions of Main Street and on a number of cross streets between Main Street and its alleys to two hours has come to light.

Police Chief Keith Smith asked the council of its intentions regarding the ordinance provision since he is required to enforce it.

The two-hour parking limits on cross streets between Collins and Otis Streets from Main Street to the alleyways on the north and south side of Main Street would make it difficult for some business owners and employees, aswell as a few residents of Main Street buildings to park near their businesses or homes. And the twohour limit applies 24 hours per day and seven days per week.

The old ordinance also restricts parking to two hours on some streets which no longer exist and mentions non-existent businesses as reference points.

The matter was referred to the street and alley committee and the police committee for study and a recommended amendment to fix the problem.

Until the council, by ordinance, repeals or amends the old ordinance, those parking along Main Street, or cross streets between Main Street and the alleyways, for periods longer than two hours are subjectto citation for illegal parking.

According to Smith, complaints have been filed with his department against a number of offenders. He said his department would begin by making offenders aware of the existing ordinance but would ultimately be required to cite violators until the law is amended or repealed.

“We’ve already got a dead Main Street,” Councilwoman Janie Parks said, explaining that the street is completely empty of parked cars on some days. “Now, we’re going to have dead side streets too,” she added.

No action to change the ordinance could be taken on Monday, but a proposed ordinance amending the old law will likely be on the agenda for February’s meeting.

News, Pages 5 on 01/05/2011