Barbara, BRMAA, is a nonprofit organization and is totally supported by its fundraising events. Arts in the Park is it's #1 fundraiser. Just like increase prices in pretty much everything over the years. The BRMAA charge the $5 to help in the total efforts the association provides to the community. Them charging $5 is nominal in what the association attempts to offer in keeping classes as economical as possible, providing decent instructors and enhancing the artistic culture. Did know of the 170 plus vendors at the festival this past weekend that a licensing/certification fee had to be paid by BRMAA for each vendor? Really pretty much anything cost nowadays so $5 for an adult entrance fee doesn't bother me. Kids are free and if you volunteer a few hours you can get in free. Once that $5 is paid too that allows you in and out entrance for the whole weekend!
V
Vivienne Rimoldi
12 years ago
Do not agree
B
Brent Borgemeister
12 years ago
This is literally the dumbest idea I've ever seen.
S
Suzy Cook
12 years ago
Featured
As a cabin owner in Cherry Log, we visit Blue Ridge often. I feel installation of the meters would be a huge mistake. The small town atmosphere is part of what draws the visitors who fuel this town. In my opinion, this could be a huge mistake for Blue Ridge.
J
Jessica Ward
12 years ago
No parking meters downtown!
R
Roger Bower
12 years ago
I think parking meters are a very bad idea and make it even harder for the businesses to survive. Blue Ridge survives on tourism and free parking is pleasant perk to help encourage visitors to stay longer and spend their money.
P
Peggy Queen
12 years ago
NO PARKING METERS!!!
T
Tom Chambers
12 years ago
Barbara, the proceeds from entry to Art In The Park support the art Center and has nothing to do with the city. Without this income the Art Center would close. A $5 donation to the Art Center is a small price to pay to keep the Art Center open. Art In The park also brings in thousands of tourist on Memorial Day weekend that help support the local businesses.
B
Brenda Chambers
12 years ago
No! Please no!
P
Pierce McCurry
12 years ago
Vote NO
J
Jill McCurry
12 years ago
Vote NO
C
Curtis Jeffries
12 years ago
Having been a homeowner in the area for 20 years, I have seen this wonderful little town go from what used to be nothing but a bunch of "junk shops" to a highly sophisticated town of culture and entertainment. I do remember the days when you could pull up in town and park almost anywhere with no problem. But of course, progress has changed that. No matter how you view the progress, parking IS now a problem. But I do not think meters are the answer. I believe the first answer to help with the problem is to start with the business owners. They must be the ones to encourage their employees and even themselves not to take up the prime spots in front of their shops down the main shopping district. If you are a regular visitor to downtown you will notice it is the same cars day in and day out taking up the prime spots. Some even have their business advertised on their auto. So it is quite obvious who is taking the prime spots making it difficult for visitors to find easy parking places. Another idea would be for the city to provide better signage directing visitors to the public parking areas. While it must be a concerted effort of all, meters are NOT the answer.
S
Sherry Daniele
12 years ago
NO PARKING METERS!!!!!
P
Patricia Scott
12 years ago
I'm the owner of a lodging business. I send hundreds of my guests to Blue Ridge to shop or eat or ride the train. I work hard to attract more visitors to our area. Parking meters in downtown Blue Ridge is a BAD idea. It will codt money to purchase the meters, to maintain them and to police them. Guests or residents who don't have the correct change or who object to paying for parking will simply shop elsewhere. Why are we making it harder for people to stop in town? More costs, less revenue- not a good ides.
C
Christy Bowen
12 years ago
just another way to rip folks off and then lie where the money actually goes.
G
Glenda McCumbee
12 years ago
This will be detrimental to business. Will certainly make me think twice about coming into town.
T
Tim Magill
12 years ago
They are nuts ! It will hurt the downtown businesses . They should put in a valet service at a few locations around town if they want to raise money. It's a hike from the city parking lot to the shops and train depot . That would create a few jobs and bring in some $. Forget parking meters !
S
Sarah G Verner
12 years ago
Bad idea!
P
Pam Rauber
12 years ago
When the local people pay $55-$75 for a meal, they don't want to pay $6 more for parking. The price of the meal is already paying the city taxes.
P
Pamela
12 years ago
We are against parking meters in Downtown Blue Ridge
Barbara, BRMAA, is a nonprofit organization and is totally supported by its fundraising events. Arts in the Park is it's #1 fundraiser. Just like increase prices in pretty much everything over the years. The BRMAA charge the $5 to help in the total efforts the association provides to the community. Them charging $5 is nominal in what the association attempts to offer in keeping classes as economical as possible, providing decent instructors and enhancing the artistic culture. Did know of the 170 plus vendors at the festival this past weekend that a licensing/certification fee had to be paid by BRMAA for each vendor? Really pretty much anything cost nowadays so $5 for an adult entrance fee doesn't bother me. Kids are free and if you volunteer a few hours you can get in free. Once that $5 is paid too that allows you in and out entrance for the whole weekend!
Do not agree
This is literally the dumbest idea I've ever seen.
As a cabin owner in Cherry Log, we visit Blue Ridge often. I feel installation of the meters would be a huge mistake. The small town atmosphere is part of what draws the visitors who fuel this town. In my opinion, this could be a huge mistake for Blue Ridge.
No parking meters downtown!
I think parking meters are a very bad idea and make it even harder for the businesses to survive. Blue Ridge survives on tourism and free parking is pleasant perk to help encourage visitors to stay longer and spend their money.
NO PARKING METERS!!!
Barbara, the proceeds from entry to Art In The Park support the art Center and has nothing to do with the city. Without this income the Art Center would close. A $5 donation to the Art Center is a small price to pay to keep the Art Center open. Art In The park also brings in thousands of tourist on Memorial Day weekend that help support the local businesses.
No! Please no!
Vote NO
Vote NO
Having been a homeowner in the area for 20 years, I have seen this wonderful little town go from what used to be nothing but a bunch of "junk shops" to a highly sophisticated town of culture and entertainment. I do remember the days when you could pull up in town and park almost anywhere with no problem. But of course, progress has changed that. No matter how you view the progress, parking IS now a problem. But I do not think meters are the answer. I believe the first answer to help with the problem is to start with the business owners. They must be the ones to encourage their employees and even themselves not to take up the prime spots in front of their shops down the main shopping district. If you are a regular visitor to downtown you will notice it is the same cars day in and day out taking up the prime spots. Some even have their business advertised on their auto. So it is quite obvious who is taking the prime spots making it difficult for visitors to find easy parking places. Another idea would be for the city to provide better signage directing visitors to the public parking areas. While it must be a concerted effort of all, meters are NOT the answer.
NO PARKING METERS!!!!!
I'm the owner of a lodging business. I send hundreds of my guests to Blue Ridge to shop or eat or ride the train. I work hard to attract more visitors to our area. Parking meters in downtown Blue Ridge is a BAD idea. It will codt money to purchase the meters, to maintain them and to police them. Guests or residents who don't have the correct change or who object to paying for parking will simply shop elsewhere. Why are we making it harder for people to stop in town? More costs, less revenue- not a good ides.
just another way to rip folks off and then lie where the money actually goes.
This will be detrimental to business. Will certainly make me think twice about coming into town.
They are nuts ! It will hurt the downtown businesses . They should put in a valet service at a few locations around town if they want to raise money. It's a hike from the city parking lot to the shops and train depot . That would create a few jobs and bring in some $. Forget parking meters !
Bad idea!
When the local people pay $55-$75 for a meal, they don't want to pay $6 more for parking. The price of the meal is already paying the city taxes.
We are against parking meters in Downtown Blue Ridge