Canton’s on-again, off-again downtown parking enforcement has taken another twist.
The Canton City Council Monday voted to end ticketing violators for 60 days, dropping back to writing warnings. At issue are spaces with a two-hour-limit primarily along Main and North streets. After ticketing returned in November following a prior grace period, some merchants complained two hours was too short for customers doing lengthy business or visiting multiple stores.
Public reaction was mixed Monday night. Sandwich shop owner Mike DeLuca was among those supporting enforcement, saying it frees up spaces in front of their businesses, but attorney John Edwards said some of his clients’ legal business takes longer than two hours, and that they resented having to walk from eight-hour parking spaces blocks away.
During the 60-day halt, two council members will gather with merchants to attempt hammering out a long-term solution.
Whatever solution is arrived at, all downtown interests need to be treated equally, said Mayor Gene Hobgood.
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