Chamber seeks to limit Broad St. parking during Yule parade

When the Cairo Christmas Parade rolls through downtown on Thursday, Dec. 3, officials with the Cairo-Grady County Chamber of Commerce hope that the city council will prohibit parking on South Broad Street in the central business district.
City Manager Chris Addleton briefed members of the city council Monday night regarding the chamber’s request.
“I attended a chamber board meeting today (Monday) and they requested we block off Broad Street for the parade to prevent vehicle parking. I asked that they put their request in writing to make it a formal request, and I will bring it back to you at your Nov. 9 meeting,” Addleton said.
The city manager says the chamber has already obtained the support of downtown merchants.
Cairo-Grady County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Brian Marlowe says the idea was the suggestion of members of the chamber’s board of directors.
“Since that time, board members and staff have talked with some of the downtown merchants and they are in favor of it,” Marlowe said.
The chamber’s request to the city will be to block off South Broad Street to parking from the railroad tracks down to the intersection of 2nd Ave. S.E. and MLK Jr. Ave. S.W.
Parking along Broad north of the railroad tracks will still be permitted if the council goes along with the chamber’s request.
“We believe it is a good compromise. By eliminating vehicles that obstruct the view of those gathered to watch the parade you make it a safer environment for all participants, but especially children,” Marlowe says.
Chamber officials say that by prohibiting streetside parking, parade-goers will not be forced so far out into the street to see the parade.
The city council will address the issue at its Monday, Nov. 9, meeting beginning at 6 p.m.