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Councilwoman urges limits on downtown trolley parking, citing blocked spaces and safety concerns
Summary
Councilwoman Azataya asked the council to review annual permit practice allowing a privately operated trolley to occupy Main Street parking spaces, saying it displaces customers and blocks up to three spaces; council asked staff to gather documentation and agreed to revisit the issue after outreach to the trolley owner.
Councilwoman Azataya raised complaints from downtown business owners and residents about a privately operated trolley that regularly occupies three parking spaces on Main Street, sometimes stopping in a way that blocks traffic.
"They don't pay the city anything for it, and I think where the frustration comes from other business owners is the fact that they're not giving any parking in front of their business," Councilwoman Azataya said, noting she has seen the trolley block three spots and sometimes not be present when the spots are reserved. She suggested moving the trolley to nearby Bird Street or having it stage in other public parking so Main Street spaces remain open.
Mayor McCoy read from an existing ordinance dating to 1992 that, as written, allows public‑transportation vehicles to use public parking adjacent to their business for loading subject to approval by the police chief and street commissioner and requires tourist carriers to submit annual permit requests. Council members asked about the permit months (Azataya said she believed the permit runs April 1 through Nov. 30) and who owns the trolley; Azataya and others identified the Currys as the current private owners.
Azataya said she had offered in 2022 to pay to lease spots for safety reasons and alleged that the same request had been denied then. She also said an employee had been followed home and her door kicked in, which she described as part of her safety concerns related to downtown late‑night walks. Other council members and a downtown business owner (Sarah) said opinions vary by block and recommended staff and council gather more information before taking action.
Council agreed to have Azataya send the documentation she referenced to staff for distribution to council and to invite the trolley owners to discuss possible alternatives; the item will be revisited at a future meeting.
