So in the spirit of the latter, HNN presents our first ever Stand and Salute award to a group that if they are saluted it is usually not with the most flattering of gestures: the Huntington City Council.
We give this Stand and Salute for the Council's vote on the proposed Buffer Zone ordinance that included in the nine-acre zone a 100-foot strip of land specifically zoned R-1. This was requested by the residents of the Enslow Park Neighborhood Association who have for the longest time, sought protection for themselves and their property. While the Council endeavors to do that which is necessary to help bring jobs to this area, we are glad to see that the Council is also concerned with protecting the rights of property owners.
Our second Stand and Salute Award goes to Councilman Bob Bailey. As recently reported at HNN, the Huntington Municipal Parking Board enacted a controversial fee increase for the off street parking lots. During the course of the August 14th meeting, Councilman Bailey said, "I think they [the Huntington Municipal Parking Board] went around city council to raise the rates." Further, Bailey called on City Attorney Ted Morgan to look at the original ordinance that created the HMPB to see if they do indeed have the power to raise the rates.
We are glad to see Councilman Bailey is taking an interest in this issue, no matter the motivation. If that fee increase was done illegally, then Council needs to move on this issue and find an appropriate remedy. If Councilman Bailey's comments are an indication, perhaps the users of off street parking services have found someone willing to defend their pocketbooks.
Editor
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