Letter to the Editor: Parking problems

Everybody knows that parking is a premium in South Philadelphia.

Restaurants have taken over a major portion of street parking. I counted at least 20 street stands east from Broad and Wharton in the street and no one was in them. Shortly after lunchtime, whenever I pass, they all seem to be empty. They also have their large garbage receptacles in the street and all their delivery trucks taking spaces.

They took away parking meters and put in kiosks in front of the stands that you can’t use. Guess who paid for them.

I’m a disabled senior and my family doctor is on Passyunk Avenue, and I can’t park near his office. I have to park blocks away and walk.

I can’t believe offices and stores are not complaining about this, as their customers can’t park near their businesses.

Now, a temporary allowance has been brought up to be made permanent, all for $200 permits in 2022.

I called 311 once, to complain about cars parking on pavements, and their response was that as long as a wheelchair could pass, it was legal.

Why can’t restaurants have their tables on the pavements, leaving enough space for pedestrians/wheelchairs to pass.

Allan Domb, a city councilmember, in conjunction with Mayor Kenney, is working on the bill to make restaurants use parking spaces for their businesses permanent.  Domb has financial interests in some restaurants, and this bill is to become effective in the new year.

The bill is cosponsored by Councilmembers Cherelle Parker, Kenyatta Johnson, Bobby Henon, Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Derek Green and Kendra Brooks. The proposed bills would require restaurants to apply for permits from the Department of Licenses and Inspections, pay a $200 fee and meet accessibility requirements by leaving 6 feet of space on sidewalks for people to pass and leaving curb cuts open.

I may have to change my primary care physician and avoid Passyunk Avenue altogether. I’ll never be able to park and run into a store like the new pet store and I see a large storefront on that same block that can’t keep a business open.

No one can drive there and park nearby.

Nancy Cappiello