The Fayetteville City Council added more parking restrictions to its entertainment district at Thursday’s regular meeting.
The council voted 5-2 to add a block of Ila Street, between Wilson Avenue and Vandeventer Avenue, to Fayetteville’s Residential Parking Permit Program.
Aldermen Justin Tennant and Martin Schoppmeyer voted against the proposed amendment to the parking permit program.
Parking along the block had been unrestricted, but nearby residents, including two sororities, have been hurt by crowded parking along the block, aldermen said.
Some aldermen questioned whether the council was overreacting to the situation and wondered the consequences of keeping the status quo.
Alderman Justin Tennant suggested the council take more time to examine the situation, but aldermen friendly to the proposed amendment said the restriction could not wait, as students are preparing to begin a new semester at the University of Arkansas.
Those seeking a residential parking permit to park in the restricted area must live at the location and show the city vehicle registration and proof of residency. The permits are free to residents, according to the city’s parking ordinances.
