I was in downtown Greensburg on a recent Friday, and I drove to the library to inquire about book donations. I parked in front and ran up the steps and saw that the door was locked. There was a sign stating the library was closed on Fridays. I decided to run into the post office and buy stamps. I was in and out in less than three minutes. When I came out, a parking enforcement officer was issuing me a $30 parking ticket. I explained to her that my intention was to run into the library, which is why I parked there. She did not cut me any breaks and rudely, in my opinion, handed me the ticket. The signage says Monday through Saturday. The city needs to change the sign or add another sign to inform patrons that the library is closed on Fridays and there is no parking permitted.
When I went to pay the ticket at City Hall on Main Street, I was hoping the clerk would grant me leniency as a nice holiday gesture. I found her just as rude as the parking enforcement officer. I told her I would not be supporting the businesses in Greensburg any longer.
I went to T.J. Maxx afterwards and the store was packed. There were plenty of free parking spaces. I didn’t see the downtown area bustling with Christmas shoppers.
When I was in Frederick, Md., recently, there was free holiday parking. The streets were filled with shoppers. Perhaps Greensburg should consider doing the same thing to attract visitors.
Brenda Salem
Unity