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Residents press Soddy‑Daisy leaders on parking, school‑zone cameras and growth ahead of election
Summary
At the Aug. 15 meeting residents urged solutions for Depot Street parking during ballgames and officials described school‑zone speed cameras and license plate readers, citing usage statistics and limited staff resources; commissioners discussed growth, building permits and future parking projects.
Residents and commissioners spent substantial time at the Aug. 15 Soddy‑Daisy meeting discussing parking pressures, school‑zone enforcement cameras and local growth.
Brad Sims told the commission Depot Street is often reduced to one lane when vehicles are parked for ballgames and asked that the city go on record about the issue; leaders said they are planning expanded parking but must secure state approvals and have limited resources. Vice‑Mayor Coleman and others said bringing in more restaurants and beautifying commercial corridors are priorities to attract business, and City Manager Burt Johnson said three additional parking areas are planned but will take time and outside partners to develop.
Police Chief Petty described the school‑zone speed cameras and license plate readers (LPRs). He said the cameras themselves were free but installation cost about $20,000; according to Chief Petty the department recorded 6,000 traffic stops last year with 51 speeding tickets issued, and he reported that in a five‑day period 94,169 cars passed through a school zone (the record does not specify whether that figure is aggregated across multiple zones or how it was calculated). Chief Petty said speed cameras issue tickets only for drivers 11 miles per hour over the limit, LPR data are retained for 60 days, and the LPRs recently assisted in locating a homicide suspect in an active case (no further details were provided).
Commissioners and residents also discussed growth and development: Vice‑Mayor Coleman noted July building permits totaled $1.3 million; Commissioner Shipley said some developments could add roughly 1,500 homes in and near the city and that the Skillern property (about 200+ acres) has sold and may include a strip center fronting planned apartments. Commissioners defended a recent 20‑cent tax increase as necessary to support additional fire and public‑works staffing.
Next steps: city staff will pursue parking‑expansion options subject to state approvals and continue public communication about pickup schedules and development plans.
