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Downtown trolley operators, businesses and council debate two reserved Main Street parking spots
Summary
Local tour operators told the Hannibal City Council that two parking spaces outside the trolley building have been reserved for decades and are important for safety and tourism; councilmembers and downtown business groups discussed trimming a tree, signage and better public notice before directing staff to follow up.
Todd Curry, owner of Mark Twain Cave and the Hannibal Tour Company, told the council the trolley’s reserved spaces on Main Street have supported downtown businesses for “3 decades ish” and help visitors access shops safely. “We love Hannibal and we work hard every day to increase tourism in Hannibal,” Curry said, adding that the trolley brings customers who then shop downtown.
Why it matters: The dispute touches on competing uses of on-street public parking, pedestrian safety for elderly visitors, and fairness among downtown businesses. Curry said the trolley’s drop-off reduces the number of cars that need to park in the business district and makes tours accessible to seniors.
Council members and downtown representatives questioned whether the spaces give one business an exclusive advantage and pushed for clearer public signage and operational rules. A councilmember said some business owners perceive the reserved spots as private parking; others, including the Historic Downtown Merchant Committee (HHMC), told the council the trolley benefits multiple businesses and asked that the current practice continue if safety and access are guaranteed.
Operators said alternatives such as routing through a narrow alley would change the tour, reduce visibility of Main Street businesses and could be hazardous for a large vehicle. Curry asked the city to trim a low branch that “scrapes down the side of the trolley” and said adding a third sign last season substantially reduced conflicts. City staff agreed to have a crew assess tree trimming and follow up with the trolley operator within a week.
What’s next: Council asked staff to meet with tour operators and downtown stakeholders to find a “happy medium” — possible changes include trimming the tree, clarifying sign hours, and ensuring cones or staff are used so the trolley can load safely without blocking traffic.
Ending: The council did not vote on changes to parking in this meeting; members said they would pursue further outreach to affected businesses and bring proposals back to a future session.
