Kent City Council Approves Parallel Parking on West Main Street Bridge

Kent City Council met on Oct. 1st to discuss several issues; including passing a motion that allows parallel parking on the West Main Street Bridge, in downtown Kent.

The council passed the motion with a 5-2 vote. Doug Fuller, owner of the West River Place building spoke in front of city council. He believes the parking on the bridge is essential to his business.

“Many clients utilize those parking spaces and would like to continue to be able to do that,” said Fuller.

He’s had to turn down many doctors for offices because there just isn’t enough parking space to accommodates these doctor’s patients.

Kent City Engineer James Bowling told City Council as of right now there are no traffic safety problems on the West Main Street Bridge.

 A Council Member’s Perspective

 Kent City Council member, Roger Sidoti, voted no on the parking. He doesn’t believe there is anything wrong with the parking situation in downtown Kent.

“Life is hard enough for some people. And then to worry about a three block walk so you can go to dinner with your friends,” said Sidoti.

He says people are too worried about trying to get parking in front of their exact location.

It’s just easier for people to complain and buy into the myth that there isn’t parking,” said Sidoti. “I just don’t buy into the myth.”

The parking meters are being implemented to encourage a quick turnaround. Business owners want the spaces to be open for their customers as soon as possible.