Trolleys are in place​ to increase tourism: North Augusta city council passes new parking ordinance​

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C.- City council members​ vote unanimous​ to increase illegal parking fines (Photo by Devin Johnson)

By Devin Johnson

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. – The first Augusta Green Jackets game played in SRP Park is right around the corner. North Augusta city council members are making the proper arrangements for baseball fans in the area. 

City Administrator of North Augusta, Todd Glover signed a contract March 19th, to buy two trolleys for the sole purpose of to enhance tourism. The contract is worth $100,000. Council members such as Councilman Fletcher Dickert is all for the idea of the trolleys. He believes the addition of extra transportation will help boost the economic growth of the downtown area. 

“I want somebody to park downtown, go eat at a restaurant and then ‘Hey, let’s catch the free trolley down there,” said Councilman Dickert. “Maybe they are not going to a game but want to just go walk around.”

However, not everybody agrees with the decision in placing a significant amount of money on transportation in a small city. Community member Jim Crawford believes the money that will be used on trolleys should be used in other areas, such as improving public safety. Councilman James Adams said the idea of using trolleys in North Augusta is premature. He added it would beneficial for the city to use trolleys when there are big events with huge crowds.

“When we haven’t experienced what is going to happen at the ballpark, Riverside Village, I think we need to have some experience,” said Councilman Adams.  “Our parking is going to be a challenge, no question about that.”

That isn’t the only change coming to the city. People coming in and out of North Augusta will now be taxed when they parked illegally. This will immediately take effect. The ordinance passed in a unanimous decision and it will apply throughout the city. Originally the fine was at $5, but during Monday night’s council meeting, members voted to increase the fee to $20. The City Administrator says their goal of raising the fine is so people would think twice before they park illegally. 

“It is a traffic ticket just like any other, and you have those consequences,” Glover said. “If you don’t show up or don’t pay, you get fines tacked on to that and can be arrested for not paying.”