Atlanta Councilmember H. Lamar Willis has proposed legislation to increase already restrictive parking enforcement measures in the City of Atlanta. Willis' proposal would create 24-hour enforcement zones in most areas of the City and would expand PARKatlanta enforcement hours.

We oppose this legislation because:

1- City residents and visitors would have to pay as much as $36 PER DAY to park, and would still have to move their vehicle every 3 to 4 hours. This makes it cost-prohibitive and unworkable for City residents to have friends and family to their homes.

2- The restrictions would further erode property values and quality of life for City residents dependent upon on-street parking.

3- The restrictions would further negatively impact patronage of local businesses in the City who are already suffering the impact of current parking restrictions and costs.

4- This punitive, restrictive legislation seeks to solve the problems of the City’s contract with PARKatlanta by making City residents and businesses pay - literally - for those mistakes, and thwarts incentives for city residents and businesses to thrive.

5- The legislation does not address documented ongoing issues with predatory and fraudulent enforcement by PARKatlanta.

We understand the need for increased revenues. We support creative solutions to raise revenues and expand transportation options in the City of Atlanta, and we are confident that this can be accomplished; but not with this legislation.

Please sign this petition today, to STOP this legislation so that the real work toward livable, affordable solutions can begin. This legislation will be heard in the City Council’s Transportation Committee on Wednesday, May 2 at 10.30 am. The meeting is in Committee Room #2 on the second floor of Atlanta City Hall, 55 Trinity Avenue, SW.

We need to have an impressive number of signatures to present this petition at that time, so please forward this petition freely now! Your attendance at the meeting is greatly encouraged.

Media Coverage:

http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/atlanta-eyes-tighter-parking-1423065.html

http://clatl.com/freshloaf/archives/2012/04/19/parkatlanta-might-soon-write-tickets-24-hours-a-day-in-some-parts-of-city

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/news/local_news/New-Atlanta-Parking-Plan-Includes-24-Hour-Zones-20120418-pm-pk

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/news/local_news/Mayors-Aide-Defends-Parking-Proposal-20120419-pm-pk#.T5CSgGGl-Rg.twitter