Downtown Public Parking Reduced.

The City Council Public Safety Committee voted Monday evening to vacate two parking spaces just south of the Square on Grant Street. Members include Committee Chair Mike Harris, Jim Woestman, Ron Ferguson, and Diane Sharrit. The action came at the request of Ron Stiles who has purchased the site of the original Bee’s Discount on the corner of Grant and Fourth.

Stiles also purchased the parking lot at the rear of the building at Grant and Fifth and plans to build a garage on that property to serve his living quarters being constructed on the top floor. The vacated spaces would allow a drive entrance from Grant Street.

The rear portion of the parking area would be entered from Fifth Street for customer parking for businesses located on the ground level of the building.

Stiles told the Committee that he had not spoken to any business owners in the area concerning the reduction of on street parking spaces.

The request was made during the Committee’s "Citizen Participation" period and therefore was not published on the Committee meeting agenda in advance.

I was greatly saddened by the news of the double loss. Two steadfast members of the downtown community struck down in one fell swoop. The loss may be mourned for generations to come as the memories of a vibrant downtown is lost to vacant shop fronts longing for the return of that precious commodity, parking spaces.

Of course the loss of even one contributor to the overall well being of the Square is tragic, but sacrificing two to be dedicated to private use is almost unbearable.

The real tragedy is the creeping thought process that minimizes the importance of the Square as a commercial center.

If residential development is encouraged on the Square, it needs to progress without the sacrifice of public property for the convenience of a few.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Carthage Printing

HERE’S A TIP

By JoAnn Derson

• "If you have a painful crack in your finger from dry hands, cover it with Krazy Glue or a similar substance. It seals the crack but won’t wear off. It gradually comes off as the new skin grows in." — JoAnne J. in New Castle, Pa.

• If you use a hairbrush with a metal core, you can speed up your blowdrying time. The core holds the heat.

• To prevent silverware from slipping through the basket in the dishwasher, get a net scrubbie and put it in the bottom of one of the compartments. It works great for straws, ice picks and filet knives.

• "When entertaining with punch, it can be a problem to keep it cool but not watered down. I make larger ice cubes by freezing water in pudding cups or yogurt containers. The larger cube doesn’t melt as quickly. You can also freeze cubes of the punch if you have it made up ahead of time." — Mary in Atlanta

• You can erase soot stains from carpet by sprinkling the stain with salt and letting it sit for 10 minutes. Then just vacuum away.

• "I keep most of my wrapping supplies in a large-handled shopping bag. I took a large manila envelope and taped it to the side of the bag, making sure to leave the top up and open. It makes a handy pocket for receipts. It comes in especially handy around the holidays, but I use it all year for birthday and wedding gift receipts and such. I always know right where they are." — Sylvia B. in Los Angeles

• When I go walking, I carry two filled water bottles with me. I hold them while I walk, kind of like hand weights. It gives my walking workout a boost." — Cathy M. in Christmas, Fla.