Downtown parking, towing and late‑night safety dominate public comments at Annapolis council meeting

Annapolis City Council heard more than two hours of public comment focused on downtown parking, enforcement and late‑night safety, with several business owners saying the city’s current program has reduced customers and pressured small operators.

Business owner Jennifer Sowers of Level (69 West Street) told the council she has seen a 12% decline in business since the new parking program and asked the council to “step up and ensure strong oversight, accountability, and consumer protections.” She urged action within 30 days and provided the council a packet of recommended changes.

Lexi Nedekker, general manager at Level Small Plates Lounge, described customers who received steep tickets and a disabled visitor who was towed, saying, “they were crying to me about how her and her daughter both got $300 tickets 2 minutes after their parking had expired.” She said many workers now avoid attending public meetings because they feel unheard.

Several speakers described confusing signage, multiple parking apps and broken meters. Abigail McBride, who represents McBride Gallery, said inconsistent information in apps and on street signs has harmed customer experiences and called on the city to take a firmer hand with contractors.

Multiple employees and owners asked the council to consider employee parking permits or monthly garage passes and to create clearer, more humane enforcement policies. Matthew Stoller, who works in downtown restaurants, said multiple $50 tickets in recent weeks have produced financial strain for staff and asked for an affordable monthly pass option.

Business owners and residents also connected parking problems to safety concerns. Fade Storm, a Dock Street business owner, recounted repeated licensing violations and alleged threats to staff from patrons at a neighboring bar, and called for follow‑up from police. Dan Gallagher and other residents said late‑night disturbances on Dock Street have increased since recent renovation projects funneled crowds into smaller areas.

John Hammond and other commenters urged the council to review the Hillman Garage operator’s annual report and the parking revenue waterfall, and asked city staff to examine accounting of citation revenue and allowances for doubtful accounts.

The mayor and staff acknowledged the concerns and said some changes and pilot programs are underway (including a Golden Pass pilot for seniors). No formal action on parking was taken at this meeting; several council members encouraged administration follow‑up and more targeted proposals from staff.

The public comment period closed after the council heard from a broad cross section of downtown stakeholders, and the council left multiple budget and fee public hearings open for one more meeting.