Five Points merchants want you back

Last weekend was the start of a small win that Our Five Points Group initiated in Five Points.The group has talked with City Council since June 2006 telling them our problems. One being the parking meters. It took several weeks after they OK'd the 90 min free parking to get City Council to finally enact it. It's a good thing too with it being only weeks away from the biggest holiday season.

Many merchants were upset because sales have been so down. Many long time merchants have left and are leaving since construction started again on Harden Street.

Two months of construction on this one road has hurt everyone in the village. To recruit new customers and get old customers back the merchants wanted the cones/fencing gone (when actual work was not going on) and meters stating 90 min. free parking for the weekends until after Christmas.

Meters have been a big problem since construction started over two years ago. Our Five Points Group finally convinced City Council the merchants needed help. It has taken time to come up with a solution that will benefit all merchants. Finally, Saturday Nov. 18, the City put bags on the meters stating that customers get 90 min. free parking. This could have been done a long time ago.

Merchants have said they have seen a slight increase in customer traffic, and hope that once The Five Points Association runs all the ads about "Free Generica" that people will once again come back and shop. Construction is minimized now. Harden Street & intersections are navigational again.

Elizabeth Comer

It's All In The Name 803-256-9747

www.itsallinthenamestore.com