I own Suska and Doma in Barry Stiles’ Five Points building and, while the parking in front of my building has been great for me recently—reliably available spaces for my customers—the signs that have been posted leave a bad taste in most people’s mouths. Only after discussing with me why they are there, and what my hopes and assumptions for the future are, do they actually consider the positive possibilities that might be just around the corner.
With the courts recently siding with Barry Stiles yet again, there seems to be some trepidation about what comes next. Already, a headline in Athens Patch said to “Get Ready to Pay for Parking on Lumpkin,” which I believe will only inflame people’s emotions about this already sensitive topic.
There is a solution, but it requires the city to stop appealing the court’s decision and for all the retail businesses to work together in a neighborly fashion for the greater good of Five Points. If we can manage those two things, we can promote a walkable neighborhood with better access to all the businesses, a more convivial atmosphere and better profits for all involved.
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