The Baxter Planning Commission and Aldermen are moving forward on addressing parking issues that are plaguing the Baxter Crossroads Subdivision.
The city will now order signs and have the police department enforce a no parking zone in the street. Mayor Danny Holmes said he receives non-stop calls about parking issues within the subdivision as cars are parking on the narrow street.
“The firetruck can’t get through cause you got one parked here and one parked here, ambulance can’t get through, and the garbage truck can’t get through,” Holmes said. “And I understand that it is narrow, but something’s gonna have to be done.”
Holmes said the city will reach out to the Homeowners Association to notify residents of the new enforcement ahead of time. Holmes said cars that park illegally in the street will be given citations or towed.
“I think on our signs it will say towed in at owner’s expense,” Holmes said. “And that will take care of that. Let me tell you something, one or two tickets and it will stop.”
Baxter Codes Inspector Bob Lane said the city has the right to enforce a no parking zone on the street as the city owns the street. However, Lane said the city will have to clarify that the city does not allow on-street parking except in designated places that the city deems legal.
“The reason you gotta be careful, you don’t want to be like Main Street down here where we have parallel parking and angle parking,” Lane said. “You got gotta sort of put something in there so some guy don’t go out there and say well, you can’t park down there, you can’t park on Main Street.”
Planning Commission Member Tommy Lee said the city’s current ordinance is similar to what the commission and aldermen want.
“Says in all areas except C-1 there shall be provided if any building or structure is erected off street parking spaces,” Lee said. “Also, you own the right of way, and if someone is blocking the right of way, you have the right to tow them or issue a ticket.”
