Private downtown parking owner posts event-parking signs; city provides map to renters amid towing concerns

Council members discussed a private downtown parking dispute after a property owner posted signs designating certain spaces "event parking for Vineland Station" and warning that unauthorized vehicles would be towed.

A council speaker said the owner of an adjacent lot (identified in the meeting as Mr. Fisher) told council staff that he was not receiving income from that lot and wanted the city to lease it. Council staff said they declined to lease the lot, citing concerns it would create pressure to lease other privately owned downtown lots. The speaker said the owner posted signs that are confusing because the lot behind an old doctor's office sometimes appears unused and the tow signs would be difficult to enforce during events. "I emailed him Friday and told him that he was that it was not gonna work because I went through there Friday afternoon, and there were about 8 cars parked there in that lot behind the the doctor's office," the speaker said.

Staff told council they have created a parking map to give to event renters and added that when someone rents the depot, staff will inform the renter about parking options and provide the map. The map points to public parking on Madison Street, Main Street (west side) and other municipal lots. The speaker also referenced another private property owner, John Bishop, as one of several downtown owners who may take steps to restrict parking on property for which they pay taxes.

No council action or vote on enforcement was recorded in the transcript; the discussion focused on communication to renters and the potential for confusion if private owners tow vehicles during events.