The Bookstore Blog
Parking...
By Karen, Mar 8, 08:00 AM
Many of our customers have commented on the awful new parking system in our public lot in front of the bookstore — below is My formal letter to the town – we encourage you to read, support and attend town meeting in April! —KH
Dear Town Manager and All Others Concerned,
We work at the Andover Bookstore and have been living with the new parking system for a couple of years now. Every day we hear customer complaints, and we suggest that they sign our petition. At this time we have over 300 signatures… and counting. They are concerned that every parking lot in town will switch to this system, which is neither user-friendly nor business-friendly.
During the bad weather, we watch as parents with young children either haul their kids to the kiosk for a ticket or leave them alone in the car. It is difficult for older people to climb through the snow to get their ticket or struggle on the icy cobblestones. We have been told by many customers that they come here less often because of the difficulty.
The parking situation is a constant topic of conversation here at the store. Customers also tell us that they drive around until they find a parking spot along the road to avoid the difficulties of parking here or give up and go to the mall (andwho wants that?) We realize that it may not be possible to remove the system from this lot. However we would like to save the other lots in town from these inconvenient parking fixtures. In addition we wonder if there could be several 15-minute parking spaces for customers making quick trips to local shops.
People still come in to ask us ”When do I need to pay?” and “How do I get a ticket?” There are no signs that tell a person that no tickets are needed after 6:00. Nor is it noted that you don’t need to pay on Sundays and holidays. Today is Saturday morning March 3, and neither of the Kiosks is working. Customers are coming in to ask us if they will be ticketed.
We hope that you will consider our problems. Local businesses need the support of the town. If parking is convenient, people are encouraged to do business in local establishments.
This, in turn, supports both schools and community. In today’s world of Big-Box Superstores and huge online presences, we run the risk of losing our downtown. There are no more local hardware stores or local pharmacies in our town center. Although it may be a “modern” approach and save some money, it is not helpful to merchants or their customers. The businesses that strive to survive in a changing retail world don’t need one more obstacle in their paths.
Thanks for your consideration,
