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Letter to the editor

Today's Letters: Feed yourself or feed the meter?

My name is Christina Volini. I am a South Tampa resident, a graduate of Christ the King, Plant High School and the University of South Florida.

I am the owner of a real estate company and a new restaurant. I am married with four children and am an active member of the Junior League of Tampa. I am a very busy mom.

Last night, I was working at the restaurant, which happens to be Raw Sushi & Sake Lounge in Ybor City. A good friend came in to visit with me. She had an enjoyable evening, sitting at the sushi bar, eating her dinner, but she had to get up a couple of times to go feed the meter. She was very diligent in keeping track of the time. Finally, at the end of the night, my friend headed out the back door because she knew her time was up. I walked her out, and just as we stepped out the back door, the meter man was standing by her car, checking the meter. He gave her a ticket.

My friend was so upset. She was right there, on her way to the car, and he still gave her the ticket. I felt so bad. I do realize that the parking lot does not belong to me, and those meters are not mine, but I still feel responsible. My friends come to support me and my new, growing business, and even though they pay the meter, they still get a ticket. It's just not right.

My friend even said to me, "That's why I never come here!" The metered parking and threat of a ticket is always the reason people give me for not going to my restaurant more often.

It really stinks that when people are relaxing, enjoying dinner, or are engulfed in a great conversation, they are expected to jump up and go feed the dang meter! It's ridiculous! Usually, people lose track of time and get stuck with a ticket. They don't come back.

Ybor City is a lovely place, rich with history, and it offers many terrific restaurants and shops, etc. It is so unfortunate that it is so much of a hassle to enjoy it. There must be some kind of solution to this parking problem. I know the city relies on the money generated from all of those meters and tickets, but it is just not fair to the merchants who are trying to make a decent living, not to mention contributing to the growth and prosperity of Ybor City.

So, does anyone have any suggestions?

Christina Volini, South Tampa

[Last modified February 14, 2008, 22:37:09]