ENFIELD, CT — Just days after the Enfield Town Council voted to prohibit non-resident parking on Francis Avenue during overnight hours seven days a week, the owners of Jimmy’s Pub and Pizza Palace have crafted a response to the decision.
In a 10-1 vote, the council opted to enact the overnight parking ban, which will run from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. nightly, as a means to settle a 16-month-long dispute between business owners Ken and Laurie Bedard and residents of adjacent Francis Avenue.
Following a complete renovation of the property at 525 Enfield Street in 2022, neighbors began complaining to police and town officials about parking issues, noise and other nuisances associated with a nightlife business. On occasion, they would speak about the issues, including bar patrons urinating, vomiting, having sex in vehicles, leaving trash in their yards and blocking their driveways, during the public communication portion of council meetings.
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The council imposed a trial ban for 120 days in late 2022, and later extended it another 120 days. Under the new edict approved Monday, only Francis Avenue residents with parking stickers affixed to their windshields will be allowed to park on the street. All other vehicles are subject to ticketing.
Citing the resolution as “too restrictive,” Cindy Mangini was the lone councilor to oppose the plan.
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The Bedards posted the following letter to their customers and the community Thursday.
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“We, the owners of Pizza Palace, express our profound disappointment regarding the recent public meeting where crucial votes were taken without providing adequate time for us to prepare. While we hold deep respect for our City Councilors, we are dismayed by the decision to prohibit non-resident parking on the side street off Route 5 during overnight hours, seven days a week.
Despite Councilor Cindy Mangini’s sensible reservations and opposition to the resolution as amended, the council voted in favor of the measure. We align with Councilor Mangini’s perspective that the imposed ban is excessively restrictive, particularly during Thursday-to-Saturday nights.
We appreciate your understanding as we navigate these unexpected challenges and strive to maintain the high standards and convenience our patrons have come to expect from Pizza Palace.”
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