Midtown parking out of control
By: Kendra Harris/MicroMemphis Reporter
May 2, 2014
As the business in Overton Square continues to grow and build, the new traffic in the area creates headaches for homeowners and businesses.
“I don’t know why people won’t use the new parking garage Overton Square built. It most likely will make everything a lot easier for the area. And keep people from getting frustrated,” Victoria Lewis, 26, Memphis citizen.
Monroe Avenue at Cooper Street is usually filled with cars going to the Second Line restaurant. Patrons park in front of people's historic houses, many without driveways.
Sowell and Company put up signs warning people not to park in their lot, which is right across from Second Line.
“I come to the area to shop and parking is ridiculous. I can’t imagine working in the area. I have cut back on my shopping in that area to avoid the parking issue. I sometimes find some parking in empty lot, but then I see a sign that says they will tow if there is no permit in window. That is very irritating,” said Lewis.
The city's multimillion dollar Overton Square parking garage was supposed to solve the problem. The 450-space garage is well lit and well designed with plenty of security cameras, but it is mostly empty. The parking garage is only a block from the restaurants.
Nobody is upset about the success of the restaurants and Overton Square. Neighbors just want a solution to the parking.
“I think the parking issue could drive business away from Overton Square, because it take so much time to park. It’s not really worth the hassle,” said Ginger Tin, 32, Memphis citizen.
May 2, 2014
As the business in Overton Square continues to grow and build, the new traffic in the area creates headaches for homeowners and businesses.
“I don’t know why people won’t use the new parking garage Overton Square built. It most likely will make everything a lot easier for the area. And keep people from getting frustrated,” Victoria Lewis, 26, Memphis citizen.
Monroe Avenue at Cooper Street is usually filled with cars going to the Second Line restaurant. Patrons park in front of people's historic houses, many without driveways.
Sowell and Company put up signs warning people not to park in their lot, which is right across from Second Line.
“I come to the area to shop and parking is ridiculous. I can’t imagine working in the area. I have cut back on my shopping in that area to avoid the parking issue. I sometimes find some parking in empty lot, but then I see a sign that says they will tow if there is no permit in window. That is very irritating,” said Lewis.
The city's multimillion dollar Overton Square parking garage was supposed to solve the problem. The 450-space garage is well lit and well designed with plenty of security cameras, but it is mostly empty. The parking garage is only a block from the restaurants.
Nobody is upset about the success of the restaurants and Overton Square. Neighbors just want a solution to the parking.
“I think the parking issue could drive business away from Overton Square, because it take so much time to park. It’s not really worth the hassle,” said Ginger Tin, 32, Memphis citizen.