Published: June 11, 2007 10:12 am         

Athens council looks at park congestion

The Athens City Council will discuss placing no parking signs at Coleman Park in an effort to keep the crowded entrance road open during sporting events.

The item was addressed Wednesday at a special meeting of the council at the request of a private citizen who said parked cars on both sides of the road made it difficult for vehicles carrying youngsters to the games to pass.

“If there was an emergency, there could be some problems,” City Manager Pam Burton said.

City Councilman Carol Maberry said one of the problems was inadequate parking for the soccer fields. He suggested the city look into providing more space for those vehicles to park.

The proposed ordinance would stop parking along both sides of the roadway from the main area of the park to the soccer fields. A no parking anytime sign will be posted, with fines for violations.

The ordinance states, “All persons in violation of the provisions of the ordinance shall, upon conviction, be deemed guilty of a class C misdemeanor, and fined not less than $5, nor more than $200 for an offense.

The ordinance also allows the city to tow away any unoccupied vehicles parked in violation of the ordinance. The first reading of the proposed ordinance and a possible vote are on the agenda Monday.

The council will also consider a proposal from the Athens Economic Development Corporation for Dillon Manufacturing.

The corporation would provide economic assistance to the company for expansion of its fiberglass manufacturing and metal fabrication departments. The grant would pay Dillon $3,000 for each new employee over the next 12 months.

Should Dillon not add employees during any quarter they will not receive funding for the period.

In the past the AEDC has aided Dillon with a grant to mound parts for autos and commercial displays and another that helped fund a metal building for business expansion.

The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the City Hall Annex on Pinkerton Street.

The public is welcome.

     

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.