‘Welcome’ is not our language to those navigating downtown CR’s confusing parking system

On June 6, after a medical appointment, my husband and I decided to have an early dinner at a locally owned restaurant and bar in downtown Cedar Rapids. We were pleased to find diagonal parking spots where others were parked right outside the restaurant. We saw no signs that said “no parking” or anything else.

When we came out of the restaurant, we were shocked to see a ticket on our car. We looked around and saw a high sign that said something about apps on your phone. I am an. Older person and not completely non-technical (I text and use e-mail,) but I did not even understand the sign.

If you need to charge for parking downtown (and I don't object to that,) there needs to easily be visible signs and a payment method that works for everyone. I assume you want people from smaller towns in the area (we are about 70 miles away,) to patronize events and businesses in Cedar Rapids. This event certainly did not feel welcoming. If you must keep this method of payment, perhaps businesses could collect parking fees for those who are not comfortable using the system.

I attend plays and concerts in Cedar Rapids quite often and have introduced others to theater Cedar Rapids and Orchestra Iowa. But now I feel less positive towards Cedar Rapids, especially the downtown area.

Sharon Seney

Elkader