As a former Easton Town Council Member and a citizen of Easton for the past twenty-six years, I have watched with great interest as our Mayor and Town Council Members wrestled with metered parking proposals in the downtown area. The proposals put forward would require our citizens and visitors to have a QR code on their cell phone to park in various locations around town. Parking downtown would be limited to two hours. Other Maryland communities use this parking system, and since there is no universal QR code, you’ll need a different QR code on your phone for many communities you visit.
Several citizens testified at Town Council meetings against this proposal, citing the negative effects of metered parking they have witnessed in surrounding downtown business communities.
Easton could and should position itself as the only Eastern Shore community without parking meters, offering designated areas where vehicles can park for at least 3 hours before tickets are issued. Other parking areas could be designated as long-term parking for individuals who work in the downtown area with a park free permit issued to their employer who can verify their employment status. What a great message this would send that Easton is visitor-friendly, resident-friendly, and open for business!
It has been my observation that the Parking Enforcement Officers (PEO) are being underutilized by having them on foot issuing tickets. Other communities have their PEO’s in specialized electric units that have license readers and electronic ticket machines. Instead of the PEO’s doing their job walking in extremely hot or cold weather, they would use a climate-controlled vehicle to perform their duties more efficiently. Food for thought?
Al Silverstein is the Chairman of the Maryland Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission. He previously served for two decades as President and CEO of the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce and later as a member of the Easton Town Council. Based in Easton, Maryland, he is also president of the Talbot Historical Society and has long been active in public service and economic development.
I would think a former Council member and person who ran for Mayor would have a better understanding of how parking enforcement works. Also how a QR code works – it isn’t on your phone, its not an app, do your basic research before firing off a letter.
BTW this whole letter just smells like someone is going to try to run again….