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Let parking at mall

Be more flexible, while anchor store empty at Haney Place Mall

Editor, The News:

Re: Ease Up on downtown parking (The News, July 10).

So, this morning I headed to our local farmer’s market to buy some fresh vegetables for dinner and unable to find a parking space down the side streets, I decided to park in the former Target parking lot, which I may add was pretty well empty.

Upon parking I noticed mall security speaking to other people who were parking there. He had basically positioned himself there in the parking lot, and was telling people if they were going to the market, they were not allowed to park there – it’s mall property.

I wanted to clarify with him what would happen if I chose to leave my vehicle and he said he would write me a ticket.

I also asked him, what, if after my visit to the farmer’s market, I then went into the mall.

He said I would have to park somewhere else to visit the farmer’s market and then come back to park at the mall.

I understand that some people may take advantage of the parking available at the mall, and leave their vehicles for long periods, but, seriously, when there is no tenant at that end of the mall and the parking lot is pretty well empty, enforcing the no walk-off rule seems ridiculous.

As well, for the one day a week the market runs, why shouldn’t people be allowed to park at the mall?

I’m sure it could benefit the mall, since many people, myself included, will visit both places at the same time.

Today, however, I was so bothered, I left the mall and never came back to do my shopping. I think the mall has demonstrated poor customer service and, in terms of community building, showed no support.

Debbie Madeiros

Maple Ridge