HOUSTON – A popular part of town is having problems with where people are parking, and the city may step in try to curb the problem.
Because paid lots are expensive along Washington Avenue and employees and valet services are taking up the free parking spots along the road, many drivers are parking on nearby residential streets.
Residents said they have seen many bar and restaurant customers walking around their neighborhood drunk and some of them have been seen fighting and urinating in front yards.
City leaders said making paid parking available on Washington Avenue may be the solution. Houston City Council will consider installing 45 pay stations for 350 spaces.
If the idea is approved, it would be a pilot program that would be in place for 18 months and then be re-evaluated to determine if it helps solve the problem.
Some area residents said they are concerned that adding paid spaces on Washington Avenue could create more problems.
"I am concerned, if you have all those meters on Washington, you're going to make traffic worse," one resident said. "The cure is worse than the traffic."