St. Petersburg city council members voted down a proposal that would have allowed specific neighborhoods outside of downtown to establish resident-only parking zones. The decision came after council members listened to public comments from frustrated neighbors and worried business owners.

Parking Struggles

Travis Spivey, an employee at Violet Stone Pizzeria, routinely has to park a mile away from his job and walk because workers are barred from using the lot behind the restaurant. Richard Kanatzar, who was making a delivery in St. Petersburg, believes resident-only parking zones could help address the problem.

On the other hand, Steve McGarry, owner of Wildflower Ice Cream, says limiting street parking would create challenges for his customers and employees. "It would be super impactful, not only for revenue," he said. "For our employees to be able to get into the shop and get here on time."

Balancing Neighborhood Needs

City Council Chair Lisset Hanewicz says this decision was about finding a responsible approach to the city’s parking challenges. "This is not about picking on people who have houses that are by businesses or businesses who are in the middle of a neighborhood," she said. "This is about a city being responsible."

Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.