In an effort to address parking concerns in the downtown area, City Manager Elle Cole and Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce Director Terris Ahrens held two stakeholder meetings with downtown business owners. Discussions revolved around balancing spaces for employees, customers and residents, adding more public parking and the signage in and around current lots.
Current Issues
Several business owners raised possible issues of pedestrian safety. Phil Tolliver, owner of BBQ 52, mentioned that drivers don’t always follow sign postings that direct where to enter and exit a lot. Rob Caplis of Purple Rose Theatre expressed similar frustration about drivers not following signs and speed limits. During its busiest hours, Main St. can become “congested and confusing” according to Cole…