Holmes Beach creates a new plan for parking on residential streets. It involves permits
City officials in Holmes Beach have come up with a new plan meant to appease those upset with the recent decision to remove more than 1,100 beach parking spaces.
By a unanimous vote, the City Commission approved the first reading of an ordinance introducing a new parking permit system. The new rules would allow only Holmes Beach residents with a parking pass to park on certain streets between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Outside of that time, street parking would be open to the public.
“I think we have a much better ordinance. I think we found a way to accommodate our residents and not take any more money out of their pockets,” said Commissioner Jim Kihm.
The proposal comes after the complete elimination of 1,100 parking spaces, which angered Holmes Beach residents. Last months, about 100 of them led a protest outside of City Hall demanding a better system than the complete removal.
With the incoming parking permit system, citizens said they were pleased with the idea during the public comment portion of Tuesday’s meeting.
“One of things I agree with in the permit system is the parking after 5 p.m.,” said resident Julie Andrews, referring to Police Chief William Tokajer’s earlier suggestion that residents can have guests park on the street as long as they call the police department first. “If I’m going to have a dinner party at my house or friends over in the evening, I thought I wouldn’t have to call the chief to put a bag over my sign.”
Others said they would favor a 24/7 parking permit system instead, citing the “safer environment” that the parking changes have created.
“Our streets are quieter and safer, and I want to say thank you,” said Jayne Christenson. “If you open it up after 5 p.m., you’re just bringing back the problem you’re trying to solve. Many neighbors don’t see the need to complicate this with 9-5 permit parking.”
Commissioners debated the merits of both time options and settled on the 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. permit limit, at Tokajer’s recommendation. The process will move forward with a 6-month trial run.
“If we’re gonna do a test, let’s do a test the way it is now,” said Tokajer, referring to the draft ordinance that already included time limits on when street parking is limited to permitted vehicles only. “Let’s test 9-5 and see if that works. I think that’s going to be helpful and alleviate a lot of work on the police department and on the residents. They’ll be able to park after 5 p.m. with their dinner guests.”
Two permits will be issued to every homeowner in the city, commissioners said. The new decals and modified signs will be paid for with the funds generated from parking tickets.
At a future meeting, the City Commission will also discuss increasing the fine associated with a street parking violation from $50 to $75.
Officials are expected to approve the permit parking plan after a second reading and public hearing at the City Commission’s next regular meeting at 6 p.m. July 21.
This story was originally published July 7, 2020 at 3:36 PM.
