by Prissi Sullivan

Villa Rica city staff held a public input forum to discuss changes to West Wilson Street, which was made one-way in 2015. The street was also used a trial run for reverse angle parking. The meeting, which consisted of 40 plus citizens, was conducted by VR City Engineer and Community Development Manager Bobby Elliot.
The overwhelming majority of attendees were against the reverse angle parking. Citizens complained of the difficulty of backing into the angled spaces, some claimed to have even hit the buildings behind them. City Council Member Leslie McPherson stated that she preferred backing into the parking space and facing the traffic to pull out. “It is also safer for children since they are herded toward the sidewalk with the door, she explained. However, she said she didn’t not want to impose her personal preference on the city.

Council Member Danny Carter reminded the gathering that the reverse angle parking innovation was always meant to be a trial run to see how the public responded to it. “If it failed, which it has, we always agreed to change it,” he stated.
Some confusion over the street being one-way was also expressed. Mayor Jeff Reese suggested installing concrete islands with one-way signs to contain the flow of traffic and inform drivers. Elliott explained that there is a lack of adequate visibility for two-way traffic. He also stated that Wilson Street was not side enough for angle parking on both sides of the street.
Jerry Doyal, owner of E.T. Doyal, said that he has a problem on Friday mornings at 7:30 getting his deliveries. The truck can’t see to back up and is having trouble getting in and out. Plus, he has lost 20% (at least) in sales due to the one-way traffic and the reverse angle parking. Elliott agreed to investigate the issue.
Another issue discussed was the need for more parking in the downtown area. The angle parking provided more spaces. Some spots in the downtown area are limited to two-hour parking. Citizen Barbara Daniell declared that 2 hours was not enough time to eat and shop. Another citizen stated that the 2-hour limit was not being enforced.

Several business owners protested other business’ employees parking in front of their establishments and felt they shouldn’t be allowed to do so. A verbal sparring ensued. Reese assured the citizens that the council was actively pursuing means to provide more parking for the downtown area.
Elliott explained that 21 streets have been targeted for repaving, and the work on Wilson Street should begin in approximately 2 weeks. Council Member Verland Best pointed out that the schools will be closed for spring break the first week of April. “That should cut down on the traffic on Wilson Street,” he explained.