OK, I finally get it. What is it? The dearth of visitors/shoppers to downtown Jackson. Yesterday, I had a few free hours and chose to spend it "discovering" Main Street shops again. I put money in my meter to cover about 40 minutes. Well, I was enjoying myself so much including spending money, that I returned to my car 8 minutes overtime and found an $11 parking ticket on my windshield. Yes, of course, I should have put more money in or come back to check but I was at the opposite end of the street enjoying myself and not looking at my watch.
So, Jackson downtown merchants, if you want to know one of the reasons people aren't shopping your street, take a look at the meters in front of your businesses. Do you really need parking meters on Main Street? Does it generate enough income to offset the loss of sales? I personally will find it much easier from now on to shop Sutter Creek, Ione or Martell… FREE parking there!