BALTIMORE — A plan to restrict overnight weekend parking in Baltimore's popular Fells Point neighborhood was discontinued following community backlash, a spokesperson for the Mayor's Office said in a statement.
Signs prohibiting parking from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Friday through Sunday appeared along some of the neighborhood's busiest streets toward the end of April, but have since been removed.
VIDEO: Fells Point Fri-Sun overnight parking ban removed
"I think just, the initial removal of parking was strange, unwarranted and no one really knew about it," said Jim Shetler, who has an office nearby.
Last week, business owners expressed concern that the parking restrictions would deter visitors from coming to the area.
READ MORE: Fells Point businesses frustrated over new weekend overnight parking ban
The Mayor's Office initially said the parking ban was intended to create a "designated loading zone" to support the logistical needs of events and performers in the neighborhood.
However, a spokesperson confirmed Tuesday that the city has changed course, stating:
"The Mayor’s office has been in regular contact with Councilman Parker and the Council President regarding evening parking in Fells Point. Prior to last weekend, the city removed signage following conversations with members of the community. There are no plans to reinstate the restrictions at this time."
Many WMAR-2 News spoke with in the neighborhood's Broadway Square on Tuesday afternoon welcomed the decision to remove the restrictions.
Some neighbors, speaking off camera, said they would prefer fewer cars altogether in their walkable community, while others believe the city should focus its attention elsewhere.
This report was converted from its original broadcast television script to a web article with the assistance of an AI tool. A WMAR-2 News journalist thoroughly reviewed its contents before posting it to our website.
