Adopt-a-meter proposed

Dear Editor:
In response to the discussions about the Town of Bath parking problem, I offer up the first of likely many solutions. While I have been the victim of many parking tickets, I feel that there is a reasonable solution which serves to satisfy all parties. My solution is “Adopt-A-Meter.”

As Chief Pearrell cited at the recent meeting, the town brings in $50,000 in fines and meter collections from the 110 parking meters in town, which works out to about $455 per meter per year. I propose that they allow adoption of the meters for a one year “lease” at the cost of $500 to local businesses.

A meter covered with the business logo and saying “Your parking has been covered by X Business” would be great advertisement. It allows the tourists to enjoy Berkeley Springs, does not anger them and gives them a good reason to come visit our town again and generates guaranteed income. If all meters aren’t adopted, you could still earn the usual collection fee.

Anyone who loves Berkeley Springs as much as I do, should not be rushed to enjoy it. This also helps with the “Support Main Street” mentality. While not within the town limits, let me be the first to Adopt-A-Meter. In fact, I’ll take two!

Maybe our meter attendants could be pseudo tour guides or actual greeters to town folk and tourists alike, not a dreaded “Did the meter run out?”

Dr. Amanda Michael
Berkeley Springs