LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – Dozens of business owners, workers and customers in downtown Lexington weighed in on LexPark’s offices Thursday morning.
They explained their frustration with the logistical nightmare that comes with raising rates and extending hours for roadside meter enforcement.
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Lexington Deputy Mayor U Thant also joined the discussion via Zoom. He asked the Parking Authority to hold off on implementing the changes, citing a lack of public input on the matter.
The comments portion of the meeting lasted about an hour. Concerns about the safety of guests and staff, the reduced quality of service and the resulting impact on their business support were discussed.
Debbie Long, owner of Dudley’s On Short, said the city center was finally gaining momentum after the pandemic and she hoped the changes to parking wouldn’t stop it from growing.
“If you’re at my restaurant for dinner, and you’ve been there for two hours. My waiter comes at four, and around six, your food is up, and he’s not there. Do you know why? He’s moving his car. It doesn’t make a lot of business sense,” Long said.
After all comments have been made, the Board of Directors moved to change the turnover rate for these additional hours. The time limit is 4 hours on weekdays from 5pm to 9pm and all day on Saturdays instead of 2 hours.
The board also dropped the rate to $1 an hour on Saturdays.
While some changes did occur, those who voiced concerns at the meeting said they felt their voices had not been heard.
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