A good parking spot isn’t everything
IN THE CITY
by Matthew J. Irwin
Recently, on one of our bone chilling days where the freezing rain made such a mess of the roadways and prevented any comfortable outdoor activities, I took the opportunity to take the family to a matinee movie at the Braden. We arrived about 20 minutes early and to my great surprise, I found the perfect parking spot right in front of the theatre alongside Main Street … in fact, there were several spots available! I thought to myself and actually said out loud “there must not be many people going to the movies this afternoon” and we went on in. Actually, the theater was packed and we enjoyed a great movie and of course great service from the theater employees.
When the movie ended, I walked my Rookie rear-end to the car and found that the entire drivers side of the car had been exposed to the spray of slush from every passing car for the last two hours! That side of the car was entirely frozen and inaccessible; meanwhile all of the other moviegoers were walking across the street to the city-owned parking lot and getting in their nice pretty cars. I learned my lesson that day and was reminded in a most harsh manner that a good parking spot isn’t everything.
I tell you that in order to remind you of this … we are at that time of year where the roads and city parking lots will be plowed with more and more regularity and often times without much notice. Please remember there is no overnight parking in these areas and for those poor souls who do, their car will likely be towed and they will receive a parking citation. Please take the time to review the city ordinance governing parking, which you may find on Presque Isle’s website, www.presqueisle.govoffice2.com/ under the “Traffic Regulations” ordinance.
Also, please make sure your dogs are registered with the City; the deadline was Jan. 1st. You may do this at City Hall, the ladies there are very nice and promise not to ridicule you for being late; however, I can’t say the same for Dan Corey, my Animal Control Officer … just kidding, he’s a great guy and doesn’t want to write any citations for failing to register the dogs.
In other news, as a member of the Board of Directors for the Homeless Services of Aroostook, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the community at-large for stepping up in such a big way to help the organization through donations of various items and substantial amounts of cash donations during the month of December. The staff there does a great job and your assistance is truly appreciated!
Matthew J. Irwin is chief of the Presque Isle Police Department. He can be reached at 764-2535 or via e-mail at pipd@maine.rr.com.
