RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – Beckley City Council unanimously passed a two-hour free parking ordinance to address the ongoing parking issues plaguing the city.
The hope is that this will combat non-functional parking meters and confusing rules, while improving downtown business access.
A local floral shop owner wants proximity made for those with disabilities and customers doing quick pickups.
“This block that I’m in right here, there’s one handicapped spot, and it’s down in front of the federal building.
“Also, if people are going to shop, they don’t want to park three blocks down the road to get here. It makes it difficult for people picking up food next door or when people come to pick up corsages or arrangements,” said Dias Floral Company Owner Steven Webb.
“That’s the issue I have. But I think limiting the parking downtown so more people can come downtown to shop is a good idea,” Webb said. “If the city takes the approach that we’ll try this and if it doesn’t work, we’ll try something else, then that’s a grand thing. But if this is a set-in-stone policy we’re not ever going to change, then that might be a problem.”
