In a recent city council meeting, concerns over downtown parking and police conduct were brought to the forefront by local business owner Melanie Traver. Traver, who operates a business on Main Street in Lynchburg, highlighted ongoing issues with parking regulations and the behavior of parking enforcement officers, which she described as harassment.

Traver pointed out that Main Street, despite being home to numerous merchants, is the only street in the area with a one-hour parking limit, while other streets allow for two-hour parking. She expressed frustration over the impact of ongoing construction on parking availability and the inadequacy of designated unloading zones for delivery trucks.

The situation escalated when Traver recounted an incident involving a parking officer who allegedly issued a ticket to her husband while he was in the process of moving their vehicle. She claimed that the officer later accused her husband of hitting him, leading to criminal charges that were ultimately dismissed in court due to lack of evidence. Traver emphasized that this incident not only caused financial strain but also damaged their business's reputation, as the officer reportedly spread false claims about the incident to patrons at a nearby brewery.

Traver's testimony resonated with council members, prompting a brief discussion on the need for improved communication and support from parking enforcement to local businesses. The council acknowledged the importance of addressing these concerns to foster a more positive environment for downtown merchants and enhance the overall perception of safety in the area.

The meeting also included a call for citizen input on constitutional rights, indicating a broader engagement with community issues. As the council continues to address these matters, the focus remains on balancing enforcement with support for local businesses.