Community Corner

What Do You Think About the Decision to Tow Cars from Private Lot on Kentucky?

Lot owner's decision to start to towing cars from downtown Petaluma has angered many residents and visitors

A couple of weeks ago, that the owner of the Bank of America parking lot on Kentucky and East Washington had started towing cars.

The lot is a popular parking spot for people going out downtown in the evening and residents have been furious about going out for dinner or drinks only to find their cars towed at the end of the evening. Some think their cars are stolen and phone the police, only to find out about the new policy.

Patch reached lot owner Elias Husary, who said the decision was based on protecting himself from any potential liabilities.

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“There is trash, broken bottles, vomit and beer glasses in the lot and all of that poses a lot of liabilities to me,” Husary said. “If someone backs into a car because they are drunk, I can be held liable.”

Husary said he put out notices two weeks before to let everyone know of the new policy.

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“I’m not against businesses and very pro-Petaluma, but this has been an ongoing issue for a while and we thought this was the best way to deal with it,” he said.

But the decision may also have something to do with economics. If you look closely at the "No Parking" sign, it offers drivers who don't want to be towed a chance to purchase a monthly permit.

What do you think about this decision? Does downtown Petaluma need another parking lot? Share your thoughts with us.


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