ROCKLAND, Maine — Downtown restaurant owners concerns about a police department imposed parking ban that was to start at 7 p.m. Saturday were heard.
The ban came as restaurants have a large number of reservations for Valentine’s evening meals.
“It’s unbelievable to me,” said Melody Wolfertz who operates In Good Company in downtown Rockland.
Their concerns were heard and the police department, after reviewing the latest forecast, amended the ban later Saturday afternoon to begin at midnight.
The Rockland Police Department issued an initial announcement of the 7 p.m. ban at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. The snow emergency parking ban was to begin at 7 p.m. Saturday and extend until 5 a.m. Monday. The ban covers all streets and municipal parking lots.
Vehicles that violate the ban and which interfere with snow removal will be towed. The cost of removal and storage will be borne by the vehicle owner.
Wolfertz said she has many reservations for after 7 p.m. In addition, she said, her staff will have nowhere to park after 7 p.m.
The restaurant owner said the most recent weather report she had did not have the heavy snow arriving until closer to midnight.
Wolfertz said she contacted Rockland Mayor Frank Isganitis and voiced her concern and he told her that this was not his decision.
In Good Company remains open until midnight.
John Stowe, owner of Rustica Restaurant which is also located on downtown Main Street, said he too was concerned with the timing of the ban. His restaurant has many reservations for after 7 p.m. and Rustica is open until 9 p.m.
“We do need parking,” Stowe said.
He said he only heard about the ban early in the afternoon. He said this was the first time he has heard of such a ban while the restaurant has been operating.
Rockland Police Sgt. Don Finnegan said later Saturday afternoon that the department would not become heavy handed and tow vehicles early in the evening so as to not interfere with the customers who do make it downtown. He said by midnight, however, enforcement would begin.
Soon after saying that, the department announced the amended ban with the midnight start.
The Weather Channel said blizzard conditions will not begin in Rockland until 1 a.m. Sunday although a blizzard warning was issued for the region starting at noon Saturday by the National Weather Service.