Shop local, really

As a Warwick business owner I have a common sense recommendation for the lack of parking spaces for downtown Warwick business owners, employees and their customers:

The parking lot at Chase Bank “drive through” (how ironic) has an approximate 80-space primarily empty parking lot.

I understand the village leases the lot. I’ve counted ( and photographed) as many as 40-plus open parking spaces during the week. This same lot offers free parking on weekends.

However, the weekday landscape of businesses in the village has changed. There are many new businesses in the village and we must address the need and availability of parking now, before Spring arrives. The last thing we need is for potential customers to pass on shopping in Warwick after driving around and around with no parking.

We chose to be in Warwick and pay a premium to be here. We enhance the quality and value of the downtown shopping experience and draw customers locally and from surrounding areas. I think the village can work with its merchants to sustain a healthy business atmosphere - not to mention new employment opportunities.

I originally opened my conversation on Warwick Common Place and received public and private posts. Some have been paying steep prices for one or more spaces for years and agree; they, too, would love to see the lot price adjusted and affordable for merchants.

In doing so, that would result in a surplus of parking on the streets surrounding Main Street, both metered and open parking lots for customers to come and go. Many business owners and its employees have confessed to parking in the lot behind Pecks Wine & Spirits and CVS out of desperation.

Please understand fully my intention here is to help remedy the parking issue. I spoke to 12 local businesses that would be willing to pay between $100 to $120 per year per space. Example; 80 spaces at $100-$120 per space that’s a yearly Village intake of $8,000 to $9,600.

Rather than a lot that sits empty while off street and parking lots are filled by business owners and employees, leaving no parking for customers.

These are very serious and difficult financial times for residents, businesses and customers alike.

The question begs: Why wouldn’t the leaser want the entire parking lot full and generate a substantial village income and at the same time, promote a positive customer shopping?

It’s a win-win.
What say you?
Laura Gardiner

Capelli Salon and Spa Boutique
Warwick