After more than a year of planning and a preliminary approval, the stop sign remains posted for parking permits in Holmes Beach.
Traffic committee member Renee Ferguson addressed commissioners at their May 26 meeting and asked “why?”
“The last time it was on the agenda it was very productive. You instructed the attorney to write an ordinance. That was two months ago,” said Fergusson. “We’ve been very patient. We need action now.”
Commission Chair Judy Titsworth said the move to implement a plan in phases that would ban street and right-of-way parking in residential neighborhoods except by residential permit has been “set aside.”
The city has three moratoriums with ticking clocks for regulations and those take precedence, Titsworth said.
She added that there are other issues staff needs to look into, including possible fallout — people will find other places to park, impacting other areas, and people will park illegally — if the regulations pass.
“We’re going to suffer through Memorial Day and Fourth of July, but hopefully there will be a well thought-out plan before next season,” said Titsworth.
Commissioner Carol Soustek, who previously chaired the traffic committee during the permit planning, said she receives weekly phone calls from residents asking about the plan.
“I thought this was done,” Soustek said. “We need to give people a timeline for Phase 1. We need to give them something they can depend on.”
— Jennifer Glenfield