Parking Available During "Centerpiece" Work

Later this year when work begins to turn the empty lot at the corner of Lombard and Main Streets into a "Downtown Centerpiece," public parking will be temporarily relocated behind the buildings at Hometowne Realty and W.R. Starkey Mortgage, plus on-street parking on the north side of Main Street will be limited.

But that shouldn't inconvenience customers of Beddingfield Drug Company.

The town intends to add a few temporary 30-minute-limited spaces on the street between Flowers by the Neuse at 321 E. Main and Fine Jewelry by Vincent at 335 E. Main during the construction process.

"The purpose is to provide a safe, close parking area for elderly customers placing or picking up their prescriptions at Beddingfield’s while construction of the Town Lot is underway," said Downtown Development Coordinator Bruce Naegelen in a recent memo.

Town police won't actively enforce the time limit on the spaces unless merchants report abuse, he said.

The move was recommended by the Downtown Development Association.