Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1512713
4 UCW December 6-12, 2023 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM STAFF Association of Community Publishers BILL BOWMAN, Publisher. COMMENTS? BILL@upandcomin- gweekly.com. 910-484-6200. PUBLISHER'S PEN Parking: downtown's perpetual problem by BILL BOWMAN It's good news for Downtown Fayetteville businesses and residents that Cumberland County Commis- sioners approved a parking deck pro- posal that addresses many of the con- cerns citizens have about the parking availability for downtown customers, visitors, employees, and those with business at the Courthouse. Parking availability has always been a top-tier concern for Fayetteville's downtown businesses and property owners. Fears of a more significant deficit parking situation have am- plified since the discussions began on constructing the much-needed Crown Event Center. Over the past several years, I have written at least a dozen articles con- cerning the parking situation down- town and the need for the parking policy to be reformed or addressed logically. City elected officials seem to disregard the logic, ideas, sugges- tions, recommendations, and des- perate pleas from downtown busi- nesses and organizations that parking reform is needed. e parking situa- tion downtown is the City's perpetual oxymoron*. i.e. e City wants to attract businesses and organizations to locate downtown. e City wants all businesses and organizations to succeed and prosper downtown. e City seeks to attract residents, visitors, and guests to shop and experience our Historic Down- town Fayetteville culture. Most of all, the City wants to project a friendly, hospitable, and welcoming community image. All are noteworthy and commendable; however, the de- plorable parking situation contradicts every one of those aspirations. How can the City attract businesses to locate downtown if there is no- where for their customers or employ- ees to park? How can Fayetteville project a friendly, hospitable, and welcoming community image if the highly visible Parking police are stalk- ing each parking stall for their next victim? Lastly, you can discuss how Ra- leigh, Charlotte and Greensboro han- dle their downtown parking all day long, but this is Fayetteville. Charging fees after 5 p.m. can only be inter- preted as entrapment, especially, for out-of-towners coming to the City to dine, shop or enjoy an event. Call me crazy, but free parking can benefit the City and downtown busi- nesses by increasing foot traffic and making it easier for people to visit the unique shops, restaurants, and arts organizations. is means they would spend money! In addition to free parking, the City and all the other downtown-related organizations should work on chang- ing the mindset of residents by pro- moting free parking, emphasizing the pedestrian-friendly atmosphere that encourages people to stroll, explore, and frequent businesses. If free parking is out of the ques- tion and City officials really want to improve the parking situation pain- lessly, they could • 1. Stop charging fees after 5 p.m., • 2. Start advertising, market- ing, and promoting that Downtown Fayetteville has two conveniently located and affordable parking decks. e Franklin St. parking deck is the best-kept secret downtown. Together, these elements can con- tribute to a thriving downtown that attracts residents and tourists, boost- ing the local Fayetteville economy. e new Crown Event Center will be a welcome addition to Historic Downtown Fayetteville. Now, is the time to address those factors that will maximize its impact. ank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly. *Oxymoron defined: noun, a figure of speech which is apparently contra- dictory. PUBLISHER Bill Bowman Bill@upandcomingweekly.com OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Paulette Naylor accounting@upandcomingweekly.com EDITOR Alyson Hansen editor@upandcomingweekly.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Sam Olsen assistanteditor@upandcomingweekly. com ART DIRECTOR Courtney Sapp-Scott art@upandcomingweekly.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER graphics@upandcomingweekly.com STAFF WRITERS Aubrette Reid Amber Little Hannah Lee Carrie Jackson Lena Simmons Kathleen Ramsey Jamie Bishop Sheila Barker Dr. Shanessa Fenner CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Pitt Dickey, D.G. Martin, Rep. Richard Hudson MARKETING ASSOCIATE Linda McAlister linda@upandcomingweekly.com SALES ASSISTANT Sheila Barker salesassistant@upandcomingweekly. com COVER Cover design by Courtney Sapp-Scott Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment Up & Coming Weekly www.upandcomingweekly.com 208 Rowan St. P.O. Box 53461 Fayetteville, NC 28305 PHONE: 910-484-6200- FAX: 910-484-9218 Up & Coming Weekly is a "Quality of Life" publication with local features, news and information on what's happening in and around the Fayetteville/Cumberland County community. Published weekly on Wednesdays, Up & Coming Weekly welcomes manuscripts, photographs and artwork for publication consideration, but assumes no responsibility for them. We cannot accept responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts or material. Opinions expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to edit or reject copy submitted for publication. 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