To the editor:
North Bay politicians are always trying to encourage people to visit downtown more often, support local businesses etc.
They sure do this goal a disservice by penalizing them with parking tickets. I had only 2 quarters when visiting the library, would have put in 3 or more if I had them, but discovered to my dismay that I only had dimes and nickels left, neither of which is acceptable in the meter.
A $20 dollar ticket awaited me when I left the library, which certainly deters me from being anxious to do any activities downtown. I was probably less than a minute too late as the enforcer of parking was still beside my car when I returned to my car.
I was wished a good day.
The 2-hour free parking on Oak St. is not practical for a senior visiting the library on Worthington. A young person with more energy and maybe less physical limitations probably would not be deterred by the distance between these 2 locations.
I feel North Bay is discriminatory towards seniors with this outrageous penalty for an expired meter. The powers that be at City Hall argued to me, that young people would feel discriminated against if seniors were given complimentary free parking.
I highly doubt that any young person would begrudge a senior this minor benefit.
I did volunteer work for the city until medical issues and surgeries prevented me from continuing this service. It is despicable that North Bay gouges seniors in this manner,
Not being disabled does not mean that a person doesn't have challenges that come with aging.
There should be a sign similar to a disabled sign that seniors could obtain and display when doing business downtown. The ticket price increases to $30.00 if not paid promptly.
Thank you North Bay! I will try to do all my business in Sturgeon Falls, where anyone can park on any of their streets for free, and not have to pay a fine to visit the downtown businesses!
Valerie Alldred
North Bay
