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Public Tells City It's Fed Up With ParkAtlanta

ATLANTA — Drivers are frustrated and angry at the contractor hired by Atlanta to enforce parking laws.

Residents have been complaining for months, saying ParkAtlanta goes too far. On Saturday, the city and ParkAtlanta hosted a public meeting in southwest Atlanta, giving residents the opportunity to express their concerns.

"What are the churches going to do? Where are the people who attend church on Sunday, where will we park?" resident Sarah Caldwell asked city officials, in reference to the Big Bethel AME Church.

WSB-TV Parking meeting City officials said they wouldn't enforce metered parking on Sundays, but that didn't quell the public's complaints.

Residents Fed Up With ParkAtlanta

Others raised familiar concerns about the impact of Park Atlanta meters and enforcement on downtown businesses. Since May, residents have been saying that they feel targeted by ParkAtlanta. The issue garnered more concern after ParkAtlanta towed more than 20 cars during an October Falcons game.

"I hope your viewers will understand that it is a contract with significant breakup provisions," Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed told Channel 2 after the city dismissed two tickets in the towing debacle.

It would cost the city more than $15 million to break the seven-year contract, authorities said. But at least one resident thinks it would be worth it. At Saturday's meeting, Rev. Jesse Williams said somebody should start raising that money now.

A Public Works official said they must make the most of the situation.

"We're here right now and try to make the best of it, until the decision is made or if this is how we have to move forward and make the best of it so you protect yourselves," Angela Bowen Erwin told meeting attendees.