On a busy Friday night in the Bishop Arts District, the hardest thing to find may not be a seat at a popular restaurant, but a premium parking spot near those restaurants.
Those who patiently drive around the area can find one if they're lucky.
Others walk or shell out some money to valet their car. The latter solution is irritating to some business owners and patrons in the area.
"They take public spots away from people that should, in our opinion, have the right to use those spots. Plus, it causes a traffic jam that makes people feel like they can't turn into our neighborhood," said Amy Cowan, owner of Oddfellows.
Cowan commissioned a survey aimed at finding a solution to problem.
It asked the following:
"What is your support level of valet in the Bishop Arts District?
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Of the nearly 700 people who responded, 55 percent said valet should be limited to private lots. 34 percent want the valet stand removed, while another eight percent said the valet should be relocated.
Paul Russel, operation manager for Advantage Valet, which operates the stand, agrees with the assessment.
"Where we are operating isn't the best and we've been working with the city to find a solution. Valet is a necessity in the area, but we are flexible and willing to do what we can to benefit the patrons in the district," Russell said.
Councilman Scott Griggs, who represents the area, commissioned a study to determine the best solution. The agreement calls for the valet stand to be moved and is in the final stages of preparation before it is presented to the city.
Griggs said the current situation is unacceptable. Cowan agrees and hopes the results of her survey and Advantage Valet's willingness to cooperate with allow the change to come sooner rather than later.
"I think we're looking for a similar solution and we're just befuddled why it takes so long to get that done," she said. "What is happening now is not working."
