The Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety members approved a request from a downtown business owner to have a parking spot dedicated for use by elderly or disabled customers who rely on walkers and wheelchairs for mobility assistance.
Tonda Ellis owns Kay’s Beauty Salon on LaPorte Street in Plymouth. She put in a formal request late last year to have one parking spot dedicated to her customers who have mobility issues. She told the board members that some of her customers with walkers or wheelchairs have a hard time exiting vehicles and safely walking up the slope to get to her business. She also fears that someone may be seriously hurt with what she determined to be careless traffic around that particular area.
Board member Jeff Houin mentioned that he sympathizes with her situation, but he fears the request will open the door for other business owners to make similar requests. The other board members expressed concern about that as well, but felt the situation is unique to the business’ location.
The board members voted 4-1 to approve the request with Duane Culp, Mayor Mark Senter, Bill Walters and Shiloh Milner voting in favor of the request. Jeff Houin did not support the request. The members asked that Ellis keep an eye on the situation and report any issues.
Street Department Superintendent Jim Marquardt said a sign designating the spot will be manufactured this week.
