Parking in downtown is not just a downtown merchant issue, and it is not just a New Braunfels issue.
A committee appointed by New Braunfels City Council is conducting a town hall meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the convention center, 375 S. Castell Ave. Members want to hear from the public about a proposal that would set a two-hour time limit on parking spaces downtown. A car parked longer than two hours could be ticketed, under the plan. The concern is that some people stay too long and keep away potential customers who feel they have no places to park. Some downtown merchants say they are not convinced that the plan is necessary.
The input gathered from this meeting will help committee members decide whether the plan should move forward. They are conducting the meeting to find out what the public wants; the only thing the public needs to do is show up and speak up.
A resident in west Comal County might believe that this issue has nothing to do with him — until he has to serve jury duty. Every resident who conducts business in the courthouse would be affected by this proposal. Finding a parking place to take care of matters in the courthouse can be difficult; and once a spot is claimed, it is hard to give it up, not to mention the constant worry about getting a ticket.
The time to speak up about solutions for parking in downtown New Braunfels is now, even if the only thing people have to say is no.
Complaining about a problem after the fact is easy; standing up to resolve the issue is just as easy.
