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Business owners ask Fall River to remove century-era 'no parking' signs on Alden Street; board will inspect
Summary
Lindo's Cafe owner and a property owner say 'no parking' signage dating to the city's manufacturing era deters customers; the board tabled the request and asked staff to inspect the stretch for possible sign removals or targeted openings.
Owner representatives for Lindo’s Cafe told the Fall River City Traffic and Parking Board the café’s recent investment in a modernized storefront has not translated into expected customer traffic because a stretch of Alden Street still carries old “no parking” signs dating to the city’s industrial era.
Dr. Gloria Sadler, who said she owns property near the cafe and presented photos, told the board the signs extend from Jenkins Street and discourage potential patrons. She said the cafe owner has invested about $300,000 in renovations and that nearby new businesses, including a travel agency, face similar deterrents.
“Given that that old shirt factory is closed … what he’s asking is for the city of Fall River parking and traffic division to please have those signs removed,” Sadler said.
Board members noted some existing no-parking signs serve a safety purpose at the bend by Espirito Santo and said they needed a field assessment to determine whether sections could be opened without creating new safety problems. The board voted to table the request and have traffic staff examine the block, documenting where signs are posted and how opening parking in selective sections would affect two-way flow and large-vehicle access.
Staff told the owner the department will consider opening up limited curbside spaces if they do not impede truck access or create new safety hazards; residents were told to expect a follow-up letter and a report at the next meeting.
