Fight Over Parking Heats Up In Hampden
BALTIMORE, Md. (WJZ)-- The fight over parking in Hampden is heating up after a bill passes putting stiff restriction on street parking near the Rotunda in Hampden.
Rochelle Ritchie has the details.
36th Avenue in Hampden is a popular spot for visitors but with a new bill that passed in the Baltimore, City Council, finding parking could be more challenging, after the council voted 9 to 3 to create restrictions around the Rotunda Shopping Center.
"This is about the Rotunda development on west 40th street. It was not aimed at the retail businesses in the 36th street area" said Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke.
Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke authored the bill and says with the construction of a massive apartment complex, shops and a movie theater, those living near the Rotunda felt it was needed.
"The impact on the immediate neighborhood was going to be major," said Clarke.
But not everyone is on board.
"This was a bill that was overwhelmingly unpopular in the neighborhood," said Benn Ray, business owner.
Benn Ray is the President of the Hampden Village Merchant Association.
"These are some strictest parking restrictions in Hampden," said Ray.
Will Bower with the Hampden Community Council says the bill doesn't solve the parking issues, but creates even more.
"There are going to be streets that are empty, and those people will say now we need permits on our blocks because all the overflow is coming to us," said Will Bower, Hampden Community Council
The parking restrictions would limit visitor restrictions to two hours and would be in place seven days a week 24 hours a day.
The bill will now head to the mayor's desk for a final signature of approval or a veto. Right now merchants have no hope she will do the latter.
"The city from back when O'Malley was mayor has been promising us a municipal garage and we haven't gotten one," said Ray.
Residents that live in the permit designated areas will have to pay $20 a year for a parking decal and another $20 for two guest passes.
