A proposed towing ordinance caused controversy at a public hearing held by the Chapel Hill Town Council Monday night. Residents, council members and representatives from George’s Towing and Recovery raised concerns about how the adoption of a new ordinance would affect towing practices in Chapel Hill.
Chapel Hill Police Chief Chris Blue said the police department has met with towing companies, businesses and residents to address complaints, such as those about the security of towing companies’ out-of-town lots, the use of video surveillance and walk-off policies that encourage towing cars as soon as owners leave a designated parking lot.
The draft of the ordinance discussed Monday includes new sign requirements, the acceptance of credit and debit cards in addition to cash for towing fees and a towing fee increase from $100 to $125.
The new set fee could apply not only to downtown but also the rest of Chapel Hill, upsetting towing companies who currently charge around $200 for towing outside of the central business district.
George King, the owner of George’s Towing and Recovery, said when the downtown fee was capped at $100 by a town ordinance in 2008, the company had to begin charging higher fees for towing elsewhere.
“We had to go up somewhere just to stay in business and hold our heads up,” he said.
Many council members were concerned that walk-off towing policies may discourage customers from patronizing downtown businesses.
“It’s a not a productive environment for a bustling downtown,” said council member Donna Bell.
Resident also shared stories of feeling uncomfortable and unsafe at out-of-town towing lots — an issue that Blue said some private towing companies have addressed on their own by adding more lighting.
The town council may potentially take action on the ordinance at a hearing Feb. 13.
Notable
Council members thanked Chapel Hill police chief Chris Blue and the police department for the way they responded to the protestors occupying the former Yates Motor Company building Sunday.
Blue assured the council that the police department will review how they handled the situation and continue to monitor vacant buildings in town to prevent a similar situation from arising.
David Bonk, the town’s Long Range and Transportation manager, presented two alternatives for a proposed light rail system from Durham to Chapel Hill.
Residents expressed concerns about the effect of the light rail on the natural environment, parking availability and a senior citizen community if it were to be constructed in Meadowmont, one of the alternatives.
Quotable
“People have to stand up and take responsibility for what they do. If you park (illegally), we’re going to tow your vehicle. It’s just how it works,” said Jeremy Edwards who works for George’s Towing and Recovery.
“I have real concerns with women being out at night, especially young women. It can be a rather frightening experience,” said council member Penny Rich about the safety of out-of-town towing lots.
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