Downtown parking can be a hassle

To the editor:

Jon Rouse states there is 'more than enough capacity” in the article on parking ('Seeing spots,” Feb. 1). If you want to count beans yes, but is that what really counts in identifying a problem?

When a visitor comes to downtown they must first find the target or point of interest then find a place to park. How do they find a street space or parking that has open spaces?

The article did not state how much of the parking ramp is dedicated to the monthly spaces as compared to the visitor parking. Nor did it state how many monthly spaces are used. The monthly spaces are used in the incentive to new employers to locate downtown with a cut in rate to the new business. That cut rate of 50 percent is a nice kick in the pants to all the people that still paying the full rate.

The article states there is a 'front door mentality.” You should explain that to a person who is elderly or movement impaired. The elderly or movement impaired person that is called to Linn County jury service and is instructed to use Lot 44 which is south of Eighth Avenue on the east side, a minimum of six blocks. If they have a handicap tag or plate they still need to find a space. Remember that we do not always have the best of weather for that little stroll.

You should look at where the person is attempting to get to rather than the number of spaces.

Dennis Murphy

Cedar Rapids