By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—Upon request of the Paris Police Department, the Paris City Commission approved first reading on a revision to the city’s parking ordinance involving courtesy tickets.
City Manager Kim Foster said, “The way it is currently written allows for anyone with an out of county license plate to receive a courtesy ticket for parking longer than two hours in one of the downtown on-street parking places.”
Foster said the provision is being taken advantage of by persons who live out of town but work downtown.
Captain Ricky Watson said Paris Police “just want to keep things fair for everyone.” City officials said they were concerned that some people were taking up prime parking spaces in front of businesses that are intended for customers.
Mayor Carlton Gerrell said, “The spirit of the law is to give our visitors a break.”
Watson said it would be a good idea for the city to place notes on violators’ cars to make them aware of the change in the ordinance before the city begins ticketing them.
Second reading of the ordinance revision will occur in December.
Watson said, “We have several complaints on this a day and there’s nothing we can do about it now. We get probably 10 complaints a day that they’re taking up parking spots for customers.”
In other business:
–Foster reported the $8,000 grant for the next Back Alley project is in the design development phase. The work is being done by Paris Artist Dan Knowles and is located in the alley next to the BPU main office on Washington St.
The new murals will depict the history of the TVA and BPU. The first of four paintings have been sent to the TVA for approval.
Paris Artist Millard Nichols also will be painting city dumpsters through another grant received by the city and the Downtown Paris Association.
–Foster also reported four of the projects under the State Economic and Community Development Façade grant are underway “and we’re beginning to see some progress.”
Foster noted the masonry work at the former Wallin Building at the corner of Wood and Market Streets “is amazing and one of the most visible to date”. As has been reported previously, the building will be the Stella Nera restaurant.
–DPA Executive Director Kathy Ray invited everyone to attend the upcoming holiday events in downtown Paris.
Photo: DPA Executive Director Kathy Ray presents information to the commission. (Shannon McFarlin photo).
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