Frustrated drivers pitch parking ticket solution for downtown West Salem

A public hearing next week in West Salem is expected to draw a good audience to the issue of parking downtown.   

An ordinance goes before the Village Board establishing a two-hour parking zone along the two-block length of South Leonard Street in the business district.

If passed, it limits parking to two hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.   

Tickets for violators are a hefty $75.  

It isn’t proposed as a revenue generator for the village according to the person who drafted the ordinance.  

Village Administrator Teresa Delong said she was asked to present the proposal to the board after requests from residents. They’re frustrated with coming downtown and either finding no parking or having to park farther away. 

The reason: Delong said some business owners and employees park on the street at the expense of visitors and customers. 

Having the potential for a parking ordinance has spurred change in that regard.  

“Now, I understand there is an initiative to encourage the business owners and employees to not park on Leonard Street.  And this may not be a new ordinance if cooperation is asked for and given,” Delong said.  

The amount of the fine is to encourage compliance, she said.  

The public hearing begins at 6:45 p.m. before the Village Board meeting on Tuesday, June 17 at the Community Center.  

Once that’s over, the board is expected to vote on the proposal. The board could reduce the amount of the fine depending on what residents say at the hearing.