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Carthage resident’s letter asks council to shrink loading zone, address storm runoff at downtown property
Summary
A written public comment from businessman Tommy Ballinger asked the council to move a loading zone that would cover one‑third rather than half of his 90‑foot storefront, and requested compensation for sidewalk repair work done by a local contractor.
During public comment, a council member read a letter from Tommy Ballinger about storm runoff and a loading‑zone placement in front of 404 Main Street.
Ballinger said he had discussed the drainage issue with Mayor Babcock and earlier councils but felt the problem remained unresolved. He described paying a local contractor (Lee Green) to dig up two sidewalk panels to correct water flow and said the contractor estimated $2,000 for that work. Ballinger also told the council he was concerned that the proposed loading zone would occupy half of his 90‑foot frontage and asked that the zone be reduced to one‑third of the property to preserve customer parking.
The letter urged the council to act on small, long‑standing problems that affect business retention and the town’s appearance. The council discussed next steps briefly and indicated they would follow up on the request.
What’s next: Council members indicated staff would be asked to follow up on Ballinger’s letter so the request and options for relocating the loading zone and addressing drainage can be reviewed by planning or public works.
