Winston-Salem Small Businesses Jittery Over New Parking Regulations

Winston-Salem parking meters in downtown showing changes

Winston-Salem's Parking Overhaul: A Source of Anxiety for Local Businesses

As the city of Winston-Salem implements significant changes to downtown parking, the local small business community is feeling the strain. With the transition to a Pay to Park app and a hike in parking fees from $0.50 to $1.50 per hour, many business owners are voicing their concerns about the potential fallout.

Impact on Business: An Urgent Concern

Small business owners worry that the new parking policies could deter customers. Once accustomed to free parking, patrons are now faced with added complications, making them rethink their habits. Stacy Griffin, owner of West End Cafe, shared that seniors—many of whom frequent her establishment—are less likely to use apps to handle parking payments, leading to fears of dwindling customer turnout.

The Effect on Employees

On top of customer concerns, employees fear the financial burden that will come with these changes. Whittni Sapp, who runs Die Pretty Salon, elaborated on how the lack of available parking options and the perceived insecurity of the parking deck late at night may lead her and her stylists to reconsider their commitment to downtown. "We’ve even thought about moving to make it easier for us as far as the parking goes," she stated.

The Call for Change

Business owners are not just passively accepting the new parking regulations. They are advocating for the city to consider options that would ease the burdens on their operations, such as special parking passes for business owners and employees. After nearly three decades in business, Griffin expressed frustration, saying, “It’s just getting more complicated to run a business.”

Looking Ahead: A Bid for Community Support

Despite these struggles, there remains an unwavering hope among local business owners. With a collective push for solutions alongside city officials, the community can work toward ensuring the prosperity of a vibrant downtown area. It's this resilience and resolve that has defined Winston-Salem’s small business district and will continue to do so in facing these parking changes.

As changes unfold in downtown Winston-Salem, it’s imperative for residents and local patrons to show support for small businesses. By choosing to shop and dine locally, the community can help curate a thriving economic environment, even amidst challenging transitions.

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