(Atlantic, Iowa) – The issue of parking in the downtown Atlantic business district will be discussed Wednesday afternoon, during a meeting of the Atlantic City Council. According to the agenda, Brown Shoe Fit owner/manager Brian Ruge will address his concerns with regard to customer parking, long-term parking and snow removal. He is also expected to address building and sidewalk issues. The Council’s meeting begins at 3-p.m., in the Council’s Chambers at City Hall, instead of the normal 5:30-p.m.   A Budget work session will follow, at 4-p.m., Wednesday.

In his letter to the Council, Ruge says “Despite the fact that we have made strides in our downtown appearance…buildings not being maintained [there are] dangerous intersections, trees overgrowing into buildings, bricks on sidewalk lifting and becoming a tripping hazard.” The biggest issue he and other business owners have, is parking. Specifically with regard to the snow route.  “When the city attempts to clear the downtown streets,” he says, “they are not able to do this successfully which leaves the front 5 parking spots uncleared and unusable per vehicle parked on Chestnut Street. Parking is a constant issue and concern. This is not only costing the city more time and money having to attempt to clear the streets multiple times, but also money lost. Lack of parking=loss of business=loss of tax dollars spent.”

Photos submitted to the Atlantic City Council

Brian Ruge says “The biggest concern with parking is when cars are parked for days. I understand there are tenants who reside downtown; however, their vehicles being parked for lengthy periods of time means that parking becomes limited and can be problematic for those intending to shop. As a business owner, my priority is the customer, and allowing them the priority for parking. Downtown parking should not be viewed as a public lot to park. Furthermore, I find myself running products out to customers who are not able to park on our block due to the lack of space available and sometimes even moving vehicles for customers. I have spoken to Grace about installing a Handicap parking spot on our block to help this situation, but this was not possible due to the slope and drain. Overall, thinking about the big picture, the business owners in downtown Atlantic are missing out on sales, and our customers are not being prioritized.”

In other business, the Council will recognize Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Travis Hanson, for achieving his Grade III certification. Travis joined the Atlantic Wastewater Department a little more than four-years ago. The City does not provide any financial incentives to obtain the certification, nor does it cover the costs to test for the certification.