Op-ed from Jessica Symonds of Mason City –
I am a lifelong Mason City resident living near the Southbridge Mall. Close parking is limited to small time increments and certain hours, with a full block and a half separating my home from the nearest legal parking spot. With a recently broken foot, however, I have limited mobility. This injury has worsened my struggle to get to and from the car and limited my independence. Further, it has compromised my ability to ensure that my four year-old is able to get to school safely and securely. She has to walk an icy block and a half, and due to poor transportation access in this region I cannot accompany her. I can only imagine the difficulty encountered by fellow residents who are elderly or disabled. A City Hall member indicates that downtown living is a key area for promotion, but how can we promote an area that does not meet the needs of those who call it home?
Throughout this process, I have attempted to utilize all available resources in locating a legal parking place. My landlord and associated parties were unable to provide an answer, as were representatives of City Hall and the Mason City Police Department. In the mean time, I have parked in the nearest available spots – without indication that these spots could not be utilized by the public during general hours – and received nearly a dozen tickets as a result.
Still seeking a solution, I re-visited information provided by City Hall and learned that a city council representative may be able to assist me. One member, Alex Kuhn, stood out as a representative of my interests on whom I depended to take care in and recognize my concerns. I thought I had finally found hope of a remedy, as Mr. Kuhn took down the details of my dilemma and planned to contact other council members in search of a solution. I placed my trust in him and had high hopes, but in three months since, they have been dashed: I have found no one else willing to help, and Alex Kuhn did not follow through. I have been severely disappointed in the failure of our council to meet the needs of myself and my family, and even more disappointed that someone who has agreed to help has turned their back. Is this really who we want representing Mason City, Iowa?
-Jessica Symonds
Parking is an issue downtown for renters. Landlords are responsible for providing ample parking. Its unfortunate for the lady though. The other problem downtown is the absolute horrible Wells Fargo parking lot. How the city ever allowed that to happen is beyond me. Have you ever tried to get in and out of the north engtrance?
I started all-day kindergarten when I was 4. Yes, times were different and kids should not walk alone nowadays, but I walked 3 blocks to school in ALL weather. Sometimes my eyes were the only thing exposed, but I kept warm. I don’t think the weather should be an issue at all in this case as far as the child is concerned.
I do think the landlord should be held responsible by the City for not providing a parking space, if that was in the rental contract. Go to whomever oversees housing rights in Mason City to file a complaint. If there are no parking spots available for the landlord to use, then he will have to fight the City. True, it doesn’t help you right away, but you can get on the agenda, go to the council meetings, and keep complaining. Squeaky wheels get oiled, but you have to squeak to all the right people in the right setting and not on here.
Have whoever helped you write your op-eds organize your presentation to the Council and even perhaps speak on your behalf, if that is allowed. S/he is very articulate and on point.
To get answers you would have to have a council comprised of independent thinkers and not a bunch of hand picked cronies by a egotistical excuse of a drunken fireplug. Good luck.
Ultimately the city council is to blame for letting the parking all go to the park inn. This was addressed back then and people didnt think too much of it. Now people who live uptown have to pay the consequence. I’m betting there is nothing your city councilman can do in this situation now. This was all done and said when the set the parking for the hotel
I did not hear anything of the father helping. Is it always my tax dollars to fix other peoples problem through mother government?
I am very dissapointed in hearing this about Mr. Kuhn. I thought he would be outstanding in that job. Along that same line, I was uptown today, and found that many of the sidewalks were still snowcovered and dangerous to walk on. Doesn’t anyone have any shovels up there?
There should be a special parking place for the people living in the apartments in the downtown area. For a city that needs people downtown, it sure isn’t very accommodating to those living in the area.
The problem lies in todays society. We have all become weak and feeble and need to depend on someone else to help us out! It may be cliche, but I DID walk 1 1/2 miles to junior high school many yrs ago, in the winter! Never did I complain. We were a 1 car family back then. 90+ degrees in the summer, played outside most of the day. Happy to do so! No air in my home.Didnt ask the city council for a ride to school!
There are lots of rentals in Mason City. I’m sure with some time and effort this mother could find a better and more convenient place to live.
I too am wondering about the 4 yr old walking alone? Jessica writes “She has to walk an icy block and a half, and due to poor transportation access in this region I cannot accompany her.” but then unhappy citizen posts that the child walks with her parents. Which is it? I’m not trying to be rude, but a child this young walking alone is a serious concern.
The parking didn’t just disappear you should have thought about that before you rented that apartment. Nobody to blame but yourself.
The problem is with the landlord. If somebody wants to be a slum lord they should be required to provide off street parking for their renters. If this cannot be accomplished the property should not be allowed to become a rental unit.
LVS, I agree with you. They missed the point.
But is no one else concerned that it sounds like a FOUR-YEAR-OLD is walking alone to school? That’s way too young to be alone, and way too dangerous in these times we’re living in. If Alex Kuhn knew this and still didn’t look into a solution for this woman, shame on him.
Yes, government should be able to take care of EVERYBODYS needs and wants! Especially if the richest 2% pay for it all! Yes, the rich get to live closer to the corner, its not fare.
I also had an issue that i addressed with alex kuhn back in april .alex understood my problem and was going to look into it and get back with me one way or the other with an answer shortly. I have not heard back from him since. Some of the other council members i called and left a message with never did return the call.
@Anonymous and Sad-I think you have completely missed the point of the article. You were in such a hurry to degrade this lady that you didn’t understand the issue. The issue was that a Mason City Council member told her he would address her problem and he didn’t do it. He has an obligation to at least give a answer. It may not the answer she wants but he still owes it to her. Maybe you have never been injured or handicapped but I can tell you that a block and a half is a long ways when you have a broken foot.
A full block and a half….Wow.
Maybe you should buy a house with a driveway and garage…
And I’m tired of mason city people being self centered and not being able to spell 3rd grade words like victim. Nice try Alex Kuhn.
Jessica..sometimes you just have to care for yourself. I am so tired of eveybody in Mason City being a victom. Deal with it.