Roswell holds public input session on downtown parking; businesses and residents sharply divided

The City of Roswell opened a public input session Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, on future parking policies for downtown Canton Street, nearby parks and city-owned lots as council members sought ideas ahead of a leadership meeting and a planned public review of proposed policy options.

The session gave business owners two-minute speaking slots and residents five minutes to comment. Council Member Alan Sells, who had met with downtown business leaders in December, introduced the opportunity and proposed the two-minute limit for business speakers so owners could present concise feedback. Mayor Kurt Wilson and other council members repeatedly said the meeting was an early listening step, not a vote on policy.

Why it matters: downtown parking is a central issue for Roswell’s economy. Business owners said paid parking will reduce patronage and hurt restaurants that depend on short-turn customers and…