It's good news for Downtown Fayetteville businesses and residents that Cumberland County Commissioners approved a parking deck proposal that addresses many of the concerns 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 amplified 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 concerning the parking situation downtown and the need for the parking policy to be reformed or addressed logically. City elected officials seem to disregard the logic, ideas, suggestions, recommendations, and desperate pleas from downtown businesses and organizations that parking reform is needed. The parking situation downtown is the City's perpetual oxymoron*. i.e. The City wants to attract businesses and organizations to locate downtown.

The City wants all businesses and organizations to succeed and prosper downtown. The City seeks to attract residents, visitors, and guests to shop and experience our Historic Downtown Fayetteville culture.
Most of all, the City wants to project a friendly, hospitable, and welcoming community image. All are noteworthy and commendable; however, the deplorable parking situation contradicts every one of those aspirations.

How can the City attract businesses to locate downtown if there is nowhere for their customers or employees to park? How can Fayetteville project a friendly, hospitable, and welcoming community image

if the highly visible Parking police are stalking each parking stall for their next victim?

Lastly, you can discuss how Raleigh, Charlotte and Greensboro handle their downtown parking all day long, but this is Fayetteville. Charging fees after 5 p.m. can only be interpreted 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 businesses by increasing foot traffic and making it easier for people to visit the unique shops, restaurants, and arts organizations. This means they would spend money!

In addition to free parking, the City and all the other downtown-related organizations should work on changing the mindset of residents by promoting free parking, emphasizing the pedestrian-friendly atmosphere that encourages people to stroll, explore, and frequent businesses.

If free parking is out of the question and City officials really want to improve the parking situation painlessly, they could

• 1. Stop charging fees after 5 p.m.,

• 2. Start advertising, marketing, and promoting that Downtown Fayetteville has two conveniently located and affordable parking decks.

The Franklin St. parking deck is the best-kept secret downtown.

Together, these elements can contribute to a thriving downtown that attracts residents and tourists, boosting the local Fayetteville economy.

The 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.

Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

*Oxymoron defined: noun, a figure of speech which is apparently contradictory.