Lot Will Have Limited Parking to Keep Students Out

The lot, located on Rosemary Street near the Midway Building and Carrburritos Taqueria, soon will have a one-hour parking limit, though the board did not set a date for implementation.

"I don't think the process will take very long," said Alderman Allen Spalt.

Stepney Edwards, owner of a business on Rosemary Street, requested that a time restriction be implemented to decrease long-term parking, which he felt hurt his business.

Carrboro Planning Department representative Patricia McGuire spoke on Edward's behalf at the meeting, citing the large number of students who Edwards said park in the lot.

"The lot was built for patrons of businesses," McGuire said. "There has been significant drop in customers on Rosemary as a result of no parking spaces being available."

Several aldermen agreed the lot should not be used by students because it was built for the stores on the street.

"The lot is really for the businesses," said Alderman Jacquelyn Gist. "It took a lot of work and money to get the lot built and looking nice."

The aldermen said the purpose of the lot is to support businesses.

"The lot was put in place for the nearby businesses," said Alderman Joal Broun. "Students are abusing the lot. People are unable to use the lot as it was built to be used."

Alderman Mark Dorosin said the restrictions could alleviate the problem of overcrowding by increasing access to the lot throughout the day. "Hopefully (the restrictions) will prevent people from keeping their cars in the lot all day."

But some aldermen expressed concern that a one-hour limit is too short.

"I prefer a slightly longer time than an hour," Spalt said. "I would feel more comfortable with two hours."

But Planning Department officials said UNC students who park while they attend classes are largely to blame for filling the lot, and a time limit greater than one hour would be long enough for students to continue to park in the lot.

"We felt that a two-hour limit would allow students going to class to use the lot," McGuire said.

But the board decided to open the lot on weekends to service the community. "I'm asking for a modification of the limitations because churches in the area put a good use to the parking lot," Broun said.

Supporters are optimistic about the change the restrictions could cause. "I think (the limitation) will keep people from monopolizing the spaces," Dorosin said. "The restriction will go into effect as soon as possible."

The City Editor can be reached at citydesk@unc.edu.