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Neighbors press City Commission to enforce historic resident‑only parking
Summary
Residents of North Candler and Berry Streets urged the commission to enforce an existing resident‑parking ordinance (Ordinance 98‑9) and maintain 24/7 resident‑only access, citing limited off‑street parking, one‑way streets and growing downtown demand; commissioners asked staff to report back at the Dec. 1 meeting with enforcement options and costs.
Several residents from the Old Decatur Historic District addressed the commission to request enforcement of resident‑only parking on North Candler and Berry Streets. Kate Breslin, speaking for neighbors, said the ordinance (98‑9) lists 37 streets for resident‑only parking but is not being enforced and that many homes on the two streets lack off‑street parking. She asked the city to preserve a 24/7/365 resident‑only enforcement regime for the two streets or to implement a tailored Resident Parking Program (RPP) that meets neighborhood needs.
Breslin summarized five reasons for the request: the neighborhood’s designation as a historic district, limited off‑street parking (including shared driveways and undersized apartment lots), one‑way street geometry that reduces lane capacity, proximity on three sides to commercial and civic destinations that attract visitors, and competition for spaces from downtown guests. Another resident, Emily Wong, echoed concerns about communication and urged clearer next steps.
Commissioners thanked residents for their sustained engagement and asked staff to return with a report at the Dec. 1 meeting that includes: who currently handles parking enforcement, the cost to provide 24/7 enforcement, whether the city’s parking enforcement contractor could implement an RPP, and possible funding sources (several commissioners asked staff to consider creative funding such as school‑zone‑safety funds for enforcement if permitted). Staff agreed to compile information and present options at the next meeting.
