Councilman proposes study on W. Broad Street parking - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

A City Councilman is asking for a study of the parking regulations after issues on a part of West Broad Street.

For years no parking zones were not enforced, but earlier this month police started giving out tickets.  The owner of the restaurant and music venue, The Camel, was arrested when he reportedly asked police for time to warn his customers.

Shop owners say the steady stream of traffic is good for business, but ten years ago this area was very different.

"It was a dangerous area," says Councilman Charles Samuel, Richmond City Council, North Central 2nd District.  "There were a lot of problems there and the council two decades ago put in the parking and cruising regulations trying to combat that problem."

Some people who work here say cruising is no longer a problem but the parking signs are. Now, Councilman Samuels is proposing a resolution to study the parking regulations.

"Right now everybody agrees there ought to be a change but there's not a consensus on what that change should be," he said.

The study would cover a one mile stretch that goes from Strawberry Street to North Laurel Street near VCU.  Samuels says it would not cost the taxpayer anything.

He  some people want metered parking, others want a two hour limit and some people want the signs completely taken down.  He says this study will help the community find a resolution.

The Camel owner wants an ordinance to take the signs down.

"Taking these signs down helps business, helps fill these business up and down this street," he said.

A meeting is scheduled for Friday between business owners, the city and local police on suggested resolutions for the parking problem.

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