Curbside parking spaces approved for three downtown Watertown businesses, but not without debate (Audio)

September 7, 2021
Mike Tanner

WATERTOWN, S.D.–The Watertown City Council approved permits for three businesses to have curbside parking reservation permits for the next year–but it was no slam dunk.

The applications from Gather Coffee, Maverick’s at the Goss, and Needlework’s Sewing Center and Pitmaster Supply were for two parking spaces at each business.

Councilman Colin Paulsen supported the requests, but says they do raise questions about complaints of tight parking availability downtown….

City Manager Amanda Mack says city staff recommended the applications be approved, and explained why…

Mark Buller, owner of Needleworks and Pitmaster Supply, talked about the importance of these reserved spots for customers outside his business….

nforth is not a big fan of business owners being able to “reserve” parking spots outside their stores, but says in this day and age of COVID, it’s the right thing to do…

Buller’s application was approved unanimously.

The applications for Gather and Maverick’s were approved on 6-1 votes, with Councilman Glen Vilhauer voting “no.”