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Downtown businesses submit 74-signature petition opposing removal of two Courthouse Square parking spaces
Summary
A downtown business coalition presented a petition signed by 74 people urging council to reconsider removing two on-street parking spaces in front of Courthouse Square, arguing the loss would harm foot traffic and older patrons and that visibility gains for the park would not offset the loss of parking.
Stephanie Wilkinson, a Lexington resident and downtown business owner, spoke during citizen remarks Feb. 20 and told the council she represented a group of 74 signatories objecting to a proposed removal of two on-street parking spaces in front of Courthouse Square.
Wilkinson read from the petition, saying the signatories included a range of downtown merchants and that removing spaces would be "unnecessary and potentially harmful to the vitality of our businesses." She said customers frequently "struggle to find convenient parking" and sometimes "decide to take their business elsewhere rather than to continue searching," and she emphasized that accessible on-street parking matters for older and less-mobile patrons.
The petition, Wilkinson said, also notes that building renovations nearby and another planned space removal elsewhere on Main Street will increase parking demand. She listed businesses that signed the request, including Appalachian Sage, Artists in Cahoots, Lex Coffee Shop, Lexington Mercantile, Papagalo, Pronto, Rockbridge Barbell and others.
Council members and Main Street Lexington representatives noted the city and Main Street are pursuing grant opportunities and consulting work to evaluate downtown traffic and to support the Courthouse Square project; Main Street said the organization plans more face-to-face outreach with business owners and is working with a Washington and Lee consulting group to measure changes in downtown traffic.
Ending: The council heard the petition during public comment and did not take immediate action; staff and Main Street work on the Courthouse Square plan and related outreach will continue.
