Posted by genlee (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 12:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is ridiculous. There are always parking places within a block and a half of any place downtown. That's still closer than parking at Walmart and in most other cities. Our blocks are small. This is not a plague...it's a good problem to have. Get over your lazy self.

Posted by ntzmom (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 3:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why doesnt the city put up parking meters? That would help with a little cash flow. Just a thought.

Posted by olderthandirt (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 5:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

While I don't expect to park right in front of a business, it would be nice to find a parking place at least a block away. There are elderly folks and people who may have health problems who NEED to park closer. Too many shop owners park in front of their businesses and allow their employees to do so too. Darby's and Pearl Street Pasta are two that come to mind right off the bat.

Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 6:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The only thing with parking meters is other issues that come along with it. You will need to hire traffic cops who would monitor these meters, then issue tickets on them when the time is over on the meter, and said parker has not returned to feed the meters. Also, I don't think Natchez has the population flow and downtown's majority residences as far as I see are antique shops and eateries, not speaking of the court house and some banks.

Posted by puccini5 (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 7:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ntz has always had a problem with downtown parking. It is not being lazy that I want to park close. First I have a large vehicle and it is difficult to park in small spaces. Second I don't want my vehicle broken into and if I have to park in an out of the way parking lot are way away from the store I fear no one will notice strange happenings around my vehicle. Third with the rash of purse snatchings I was trying to not become a victim by walking with my purse long distances. As a matter of fact I usually try to go with someone else so they can let me out and make the block then pick me up. Yes you have a problem and I wish there was better parking so I could shop longer and not worry about my vehicle the entire time. The other problem you have is people not knowing how to parallel park can't tell you how many times I’ve seen the light bump to another cars front and rear while they try to squeeze in. As far as meters that would still not solve the problem and I for one would stop going downtown all together

Posted by mike8427 (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 7:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

NO parking meters. I hate those things, I used to park downtown frequently, and the simpliest thing to do here is enforce the traffic laws. I have seen hundreds of times where people park there cars all day long in the 2 hour spots. Plus people park wherever they want to. I see people parking all day in no parking spots, and I never see the NPD writting tickets. The city needs some revenue, so get out there and write some tickets!

Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 7:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Very good point olderthandirt! I often observe the shop owners and their employess parking in front of the businesses when technically, that should be reserved for your customers.

Other good point is HOW to parallel park! I agree, I have seen some folk, small cars to large SUVs, who just whip it in and leave. They are not even, they are hanging out of the space, too far from the curbside, almost in the road, etc. I have also parked in some spaces that do seem as though they should be re-marked. I drive a sports car most of the time, and I know if my car barely makes it into some of those spots downtown, then I know everyone else is going to have a problem, and that's even when you know how to parallel park.

Posted by inocentbystandr (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Where would they put a parking structure? How would parking for the new casino help out downtown when it is a mile away? Just some thoughts.

Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I just can't think of a solution myself for this parking problem...I mean if they were to put in some sort of parking lot or parking complex like they have at airports....guess what? You still have to walk! Once I worked on Main Street and would NEVER park in front of the store...always parked in the parking area behind the Historic Foundation. If people would STOP parking in front of where they worked on Main AND Franklin then that would help and maybe even help with the obesity problem in Mississippi!

Posted by mike8427 (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

yeah older than dirt, I know what you mean with Pearl St. The owner's car is almost always parked in front across the street. And I think that is 2 hour parking also. But maybe he has one of those permits you can get to park there all day. One of my friends lives downtown and has one of these permits. But thats still not the point, you should leave these spaces open for customers.

Sayitloud is right - there are too many fat lazy people who don't want to walk. Parking Garage would have to be a No-Go. Theres no room.

Posted by maple (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with genlee.. get over your lazy self.. everywhere you go you have to walk.. The Mall, Kmart and Walmart. If you go out of town then you have to drive and walk.. Where do they have drive thru retail stores so you dont have to get your lazy self out of your vehicle.. unless you want a beverage haha.. There is a solution to downtown parking. Make downtown a one lane street and have the cars park diagonally. This would create more parking spaces as well as slow traffic down.. To many cars race to catch the green lights and it becomes dangerous for pedestrians.. this would also give a much slower pace so drivers could see what stores we have downtown! And we have some really great ones..

Posted by progressntz81 (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Downtown Natchez is not a strip mall! You are supposed to WALK!

Posted by maple (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For the person who said they would like to shop longer but they worry something will happen to their vehicle.. then leave it in your garage.. and shop on the internet and see a doctor!

Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

At one time, wasn't Natchez thinking of building a parking garage, right there, where the new hotel is built across from the convention center?

Posted by Greenfields (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Get off your butt and walk.

Posted by 2of4 (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

parking problem what a great problem to have. we must not be drying up as some say we are. obviously those complaining never ever shop out of town or for that matter go to a doctor/specialist out of town. worry about your car there because believe me it is much safer two blocks off of Main or Franklin then in a large parking lot somewhere else. you can go in every shop on either street in less than 2 hours. You might be quite surprised to see just what is available in Natchez if you don't park right in front of the store you want to go in. You might pass something quite interesting as you walk.

Posted by Pixieview (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

parking downtown has always been a problem and probably always will be. When I lived downtown I would walk to whereever I had to go just to avoid stressing out finding a parking space. I now live on the northeast side of town and admittedly do not shop downtown if I can avoid it. A large parking garage would be a wonderful solution to this problem. Yes most people would still have to walk but if more people could and would use the garage it would open up the store front parking for those who are handicapped or elderly.

Posted by FHSbulldog (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For the entire Adams County courthouse, there is only one handicapped parking space. There were two at one time, I think, but the extra one is now marked as a Judge's only space. Thus, the county went to all the expense of building a ramp for one handicapped person. As a person who is having medical problems, hopefully temporary, and who has a temporary handicapped pass, I find it hard to find a place nearby to park at times and since I have to go to the courthouse nearly every day, this is frustrating. The Board of Supervisors need to add a couple more spots on the Market Street side of the courthouse for those people with handicaps.

Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

OH Don't even get me started on the courthouse parking!!
They are the judges and lawyers AND the employees of the courthouse that park in the parking spots! Underground parking for this area would be great. Have all of those just mentioned park underground and everyone that has jury duty won't have to park and walk 5 flippin miles to do the American thing!

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Can you say - PARKING BUILDING

There are areas that could be dozed down and build a new Parking Building. And not one shared with the stupid casino, one right in the middle of the downtown shopping area, maybe in the convention center area near the new hotel. Or better yet, that nasty area around the intersection of Franklin and MLK, doze it all down, flatten it off and build a nice tall parking garage building with several stories for about 1000 cars or so???? Make it look like an antebellum home if you want to make the Historical Society happy!!!!!!

Posted by cchat123 (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Two -three level parking bilding will suffice. Do it and move on , please

Posted by DrunkenMonkey (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Anyone who has lived in a real city will be willing to walk a longer distance than the whole of downtown for a parking spot. Three blocks is nothing.

Posted by lambchop (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 11:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Many times I see cars parked of whom I believe to be the owners or workers of downtown businesses as they are in the same spot every day and almost all day. I am handicap. There are two handicap places in the 400 block of Main. If I want to go to Odoms which is on the other end of where the handicap place is, it is a very long walk when I have trouble doing just that without pain. The sidewalks are hard to maneuver with a wheelchair and if you are going uphill or downhill without an assistant, it is dangerous. The end near Odoms contains steps that are hard for amputees to maneuver. I am not a good parallel parker anymore since I have a van and there are blind spots so I try to pull in if enough space or park near the corner. I just give up. I would prefer to park and shop downtown rather than on the internet but the internet is getting more and more of my business.

I also shop Wal-Mart because they have carts I can ride in. Being handicapped is no fun and Natchez streets and sidewalks are difficult to handle. I am not usually negative but find this one hard to be positive about.

Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

lambchop, it is for people like you that I think something severe should be at hand for those store owners who are able-bodied but insist on parking in front of their shops! It is people like you that deserve those spots! God bless you lambchop.

Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

we know DrunkenMonkey! everyone here knows, but they live HERE.

Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If you think parking in Natchez is bad, go to New York City and try to find a place to park, lol.

Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

RIGHT! It is so bad in NYC the people don't even OWN cars! And for those that do the parking fees in the garages are sky high!
Count your blessings and leave the few spaces to those who really need the extra help and the rest of us WALK.

Posted by dynagirl (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Please. There is no parking problem in Natchez. I was just there at Christmas and had no trouble parking near Pearl Street Pasta or on Franklin St. near Natchez Coffee Co.

Why would anyone think Natchezians would use a parking structure--especially one that was shared with a casino at the bottom of Roth Hill? Particularly if they won't even GO downtown because they can't park in front of their destination? So the tourists will use it and free up parking for the natives?

Posted by genlee (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 1:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I say it again, this is all nonsense. There is no parking PROBLEM. We should all be THRILLED that downtown is active and vibrant and is not a ghost town like it used to be. Sure, there should be handicap spaces for those who are elderly and handicap. The rest of you can walk like everyone else in the world. A block walk will do you some good! Maybe if more people would be willing to walk a BLOCK a day (and our blocks are MUCH shorter than a true city block) then we wouldnt have so many overweight and lazy people around here.

Posted by SayItRight (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 2:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Any downtown merchant who feels they are losing business should invest in a good web site. They could also collectively pitch in and launch a delivery service for those who don't want to look for parking spots in the downtown area. An entrepreneur could start a part-time business doing the deliveries.

Posted by notfromnatchez (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WOO HOO!!! SNOW!!!

Posted by noneya (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

for reelz?

Posted by noneya (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I was hoping for some here but we just as well forget that!

Posted by noneya (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

a lot or a little?

Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

don't rub it in notfrom.

Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

he's getting it for reelz. alot too.

Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

just going by the weather reports.

Posted by Peace007 (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, I know for a fact that parking is hard to find on jury duty days. Also, on the Main part of Main Street parking is scarce, and when trucks are unloading, driving on Main Street is tough.

I remember hearing that a parking garage was on the agenda...what happened to that?

Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

looks like that was another promise that somehow fell through the cracks! THAT parking garage is where the new Country Inns and Suites hotel is and me thinks they aren't going to share their parking spots.
For those of us that actually DO do our civic duties and serve on jury duty have to suffer and park decades away and walk! There is NO place to park for that place!

Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 4:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

they'll never do anything about parking here.

Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 4:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How about a parking garage AND public transport (shuttle) from the parking to various stops downtown? I remember riding the bus from my house on Pine (now MLK) to anywhere in town we wanted to go. I know several years ago there was talk of public transit and even saw a proposed route map, but as far as I know, not much came from it. You can call somewhere and have a bus pick you up, but it seems kind of haphazard. Anybody know about it?

Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

nope but I sure do miss our old trollies!

Posted by mike8427 (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 5:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sayitloud - decades away? I still go downtown about once a week to eat at the Eola and I never have had to park more than 1 block away. You just need to walk a little, it never hurt anyone. Has anyone here hasn't eaten at the Eola lately, the lunch buffet has been preety good recently.

Posted by happyjudy (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i had to serve on a jury once and the ONLY spot i could find was on Franklin Street. I was there all day due to the case i was picked to be on. When i left at 6 pm that evening i did have a ticket but the courts did warn us if we had one they would take care of it. i hate to go to the court house if i have my 3 year old with me for fear of her breaking away and running out in front of the speeding cars.

Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 5:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

THAT'S what I was talking about happyjudy! Didn't realize someone would take me literally.

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 8:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Parking problems,

Sadly not as severe as they are made out to be. Yes some business owners and employees park in front of their buildings, and some blocks stay fairly full but a long walk to any building is rare.

Yes when the new Hotel opens and it is busy with conventions parking could be a problem.

When the Inter-modal center (visitor center) was built it was actually built as a Park and Ride stop. The aim was that visitors would park at the visitor center and take the shuttle bus to downtown. The shuttle bus was sold to Vidalia. If tourists return the shuttle bus could be revived, and if it was signed that the visitor center was the hub for park and ride people would actually park there (assuming the shuttle actually was running!)

The city does rent a parking lot for $3,000 a month - it is a well kept secret as it has no signs and no tourist knows about it. The lot behind the AME church on MLK could be used - it is always almost empty and Tourists would use it if they knew they could park there without being towed. A few signs would solve that problem.

The locals don't walk and don't do much shopping downtown.

If angled parking was installed on Commerce and on one side of Franklin And Main the parking would improve as most people can't parallel park. Angled parking would solve that too.

There are also a few empty lots that are corded off by the owners that could be used either for a fee or purchased by the city if parking was deemed a major problem. The lots on Franklin if opened would solve most of the problem if they were cleaned up.

Happy Judy how long ago did you serve on a jury? - I did not think they had given parking tickets downtown in years.

Posted by scarlettohara (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 9:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Natchez1,

Sooooo many very good points. I agree 100% with everything you said. I noticed someone earlier today (it may have been you) noted that angled parking might solve a lot of the parking issue. Such a simple (and inexpensive!!) idea. Why is this not looked upon as a serious consideration by the Powers That Be? Sure, we would all have to get used to it, but come on...we're not imbeciles! Life is about changes. We can certainly adapt to a new parking situation.

I've been to the Square in Oxford quite a few times, and the angled parking works beautifully there.

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 10:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have no idea - I think that David Gardner (City Engineer) is against it, claims it won't work etc.

I think it would be very simple to try a test on Commerce and see if it creates more spaces. It works well at the Carriage House and I seen no reason why it would not work elsewhere. I am sure if you counted how many cars park at the Carriage house it would dramatically increase the parking on other streets.

Natchez hates change, or having to actually do work to solve problems. People love to discuss things but amazingly nothing is actually done.

I worked on a number of boards and committees and after a few years I concluded that most people are against change but love to talk about problems.

Sorry if I am a little negative today - not been a good day - just a little grumpy!

Natchez downtown looks great - never looked better, millions have been spent, but the foot traffic is horrible, worst I've ever seen in 22 years I've been downtown. Some people are doing well, some are hoping for great things when the new hotels, casinos, open.

We need an aggressive marketer for downtown and Natchez, we need good signs, better parking and more money spent on promotion.

Natchez could truly be a great place to live and visit, I am not sure I will stay in Natchez to see if it can reach its potential. I may leave or stay, I would hate to sell and relocate - but if I can I may.

Posted by scarlettohara (anonymous) on January 17, 2008 at 11:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, David needs to take a jaunt around the state, then.

I agree with you that a test could be done. Again, it wouldn't be that expensive, and it would be a great way of resolving this issue.

Yes, Natchez does resist change, doesn't she? What is the deal? I wasn't born here, but I love this place as much as anyone. It's as if someone dares to change one iota, we're daring to change "What makes Natchez, Natchez". Come on!

Also, I WHOLEHEARTELDY agree with you regarding your third paragraph. I have been to many meetings over the past years where the same folks complain, the same folks offer solutions and then nothing is ever followed through. I do believe that most of these people have the area's best interests at heart...but at the same time, they love to hear their own voices. What it would really take to move Natchez to the next level is someone from the "outside" to offer a new and fresh view. And by "outside", it wouldn't neccessarily have to be someone from out of town...just someone outside of the "Natchez Inner Circle". This most certainly goes hand in hand with the marketing you mention of downtown.

To close, I'll say this...I don't know who you are, although we may know one another...but I would hate for someone like you to leave Natchez. You obviously love this place, but just find it frustrating at times too.

DON'T RELOCATE! We need you here!!

Posted by SayItRight (anonymous) on January 18, 2008 at 3:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I've always said that it seems that if Natchez can't help you or hurt you it will at least stand in your way. It's as if the social and economic ladder doesn't want anyone to get ahead. It's better if everyone stays in their own place.

You'll hear all the applause and encouragement from people to start a business and then those same people won't even shop with you. It wouldn't matter who was trying to market Natchez, the lack of cooperation with one another and the fact that nobody wants to help pay for marketing efforts would keep it from evolving.

Posted by buttercup26 (anonymous) on January 18, 2008 at 7:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

hahaha, in earlier posts i read some one talking abou parallel parking.. i will answer that for you...

We were not taught to parallel park when taking our driving test, even in school the group i was with taking driving courses where not taught to parallel!! (that was 11 yrs. ago)

Posted by noneya (anonymous) on January 18, 2008 at 7:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

They have angled parking in McComb....great!

Posted by frogprincenessntz (anonymous) on January 18, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I was taught to parallel park. This is what I was told to do. I distrust it everytime, but it works.

Pull even with the car in front of your parking space. Turn your wheel in appropriate direction to turn into spot and back until the rear of adjacent car is even with the back of driver door. Turn the wheel the opposite direction and you should just clear the rear of the other vehicle and be in your spot. This has to be adjusted marginally when you are in a snub nose vehicle such as a van.

One other great tip given to me by a female long haul driver. In the city, both sides of the street are usually lined with plate glass windows. They can be used as mirrors to see how close you are to the car in front or behind.

Posted by sayitloud (anonymous) on January 18, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

yal don't want to hear this anymore than I want to say it but I'm afraid Gardner is right...you CANNOT park downtown the way they do at the Carriage House! Think about the traffic downtown compared to the Carriage House! NIGHT AND DAY! First of all the accidents from people just backing out would sky rocket PLUS the pile up when someone even looks like they are going to their car to leave and leave a spot! Think about the parking at Wal-Mart during the holidays....that's what they do and downtown it would be INSANE!
The solution is simply park when you see a spot and WALK!

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on January 18, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sayitloud, it would not be a problem on the cross streets Commerce and Pearl in particular, and if you only had angled parking on one side - and moved traffic over you would have plenty of space, on Franklin and Main. The traffic could slowed down by bigger gaps in the light cycle or by posted signs.

The pile up would be no worse than it is now with people looking for a space, and I think it would be better as it is easier for most people to get in and out of angled parking.

The problem is it would be different, not something that Natchez likes.

While we are making Natchez better let's sort out the stupid one way streets. Natchez is a grid why not have the streets alternate properly. Every other street should flow in the opposite direction - simple - why do some stop and change direction like Union? Why do some suddenly become two way for no reason?

If the streets were logical less tourists would find themselves heading the wrong way down a street.

Once we fix these problems why don't we encourage more tourists to come to downtown Natchez? This could be done by a thing called a sign. Why does Woodville MS, and St. Francisville have all their downtown retail businesses rented and full of shoppers, could it be that "drive through" people are encouraged to leave the highway and explore the downtown area? Both towns have good signage, Natchez just has a nondescript sign that says Downtown Natchez, no mention of the Convention Center, Museums, Shopping, Carriage Tours, Hotels, Restaurants. We do have great signs to the Forks of the Roads which I know is an important site but there is very very little to see.

The National Cemetery is well marked, as is that Natchez is a retirement community (Just as well as the schools are terrible)

I am still dreaming of a real traffic problem for downtown and a return to the days "when the streets were so crowded you had to walk in the road"

"Imagine All the People" JL

Posted by scarlettohara (anonymous) on January 18, 2008 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Squirrel,

I had the exact same thing happen to me in that store...and more than once, I might add! I shouldn't
have gone back after the first time, but did.

In years past, I would go in at Christmas to buy fudge, plus I've bought many gifts there. No more. I made that decision over a year ago after my last unpleasant experience. I too have told anyone that would listen how I was treated. What's so funny is, they look you right in the eye and then look away. No one has to bow to me and roll out the red carpet. A simple smile or quick hello would suffice. Oh well. Not a great tragedy...they just won't get any more of my money.

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on January 18, 2008 at 3:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Scarlett and Squirrel,

I know Dennis and Darby and they are very nice people, they work hard and run a successful business.

I am sorry that you found their customer service lacking, I also own a business and I am sure some customers who only come in very occasionally may have come in when I have been busy, not necessarily with customers but with ordering, inventory, taxes etc. and my have not greeted the customers well enough.

When you are working long hours 6-7 days a week, worried about paying the bills or taxes; it can be difficult to always be upbeat.

It is also difficult to know if some customers want to look around on their own or to have the owner greet them and lead them around. I personally hate it when the store owner is "too involved" I wish they would leave me alone!

I agree a simple hello, to greet people should be given to everyone, but sometimes we can fall short.

As for ignoring the less well dressed, some of my best customers are not the ones dripping in gold. I am sure that is the case at Darby's too.

The downtown stores are all privately owned they are staffed mainly by the owners, it is in their interests to give good customer service. Sadly sometimes we fall short.

Mall stores are corporately owned and the employees don't worry about mundane things like how are we going to pay the employees this week. They are paid to be cheerful and upbeat, they work their shift, and cash their paycheck on Friday. They are not burdened with all the other joys of running a small business.

Some days us "rich" entrepreneurs look fondly back at a 40 hour week (or less), steady pay checks, paid vacation, and being able to leave work and not having to think about it until the next work day.

I am sorry that some people have had bad experiences downtown, please try to forgive us and give us another chance.

Most of the time we get it right. Some days the people coming through the door are irritating too! If you are interested in something please ask - we are very knowledgeable about what we sell and are keen to increase our customers.

Please try shopping downtown again. Thanks!

Posted by BRL (anonymous) on January 18, 2008 at 3:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Some day a parking garage will be built in downtown Natchez. I suspect it will be next to the Eola hotel or around there, since the Convention Center and the Eola as well as the Courthouse are nearby. These buildings being the greatest possible users of parking space. Also it doesn't hurt to be between Franklin and Main Streets. Someone could park and walk up Franklin and then cross over to Main to do all their shopping. During big events someone could park and walk to the bluff and see the Balloon Festival, etc.
But for now maybe a trip to The Carriage House for lunch and then a walk to Franklin and Main Street for a little shopping doesn't sound like a bad idea.

Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on January 18, 2008 at 7:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"rich" entrepreneurs????? who thinks that? some of you don't do that great downtown and some even depend on a second income.
then you had the nerve to say, "Some days the ppl coming through the door are irritating"?!?! you don't want any business speaking that way.

Posted by peacerulz (anonymous) on January 18, 2008 at 7:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Retail does not = wealth, esp in downtown Natchez.

Posted by scarlettohara (anonymous) on January 18, 2008 at 7:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Natchez1,

First of all, let me clarify. I certainly don't hold my experiences at Darby's against downtown as a whole. I love our downtown.

But the Darby's matter is something entirely different. I honestly don't know Darby or Dennis well, and I have heard that they are both lovely people from several other people as well. I will choose to believe this. However, I'm not talking about one, two or even three instances. Just to hazard a guess, I would say that I have been in their store at least 30 times. Like I say, they have a great selection...and then there's the fudge! But, they DO treat customers differently. They may not mean to, but they do. Not only did I feel unwelcome, it was almost a hostile vibe. I didn't and still don't understand it.

P.S. I try to shop local ALL the time. Walmart only gets my money when absolutely necessary.

Posted by happyjudy (anonymous) on January 18, 2008 at 11:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Natchez 1 it was in Dec. 03 that i served. They may no longer give them now but they did then. If i dont have my daughter ( AGE 3) i dont mind parking and walking i love to just window shop sometimes but the cars are going so fast it would not be good if she got away when loading or unloading. I know a stroller can help but they are not easy to use downtown on the uneven sidewalks or in the stores that are just to small.

Posted by natchez1 (anonymous) on January 19, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Happy Judy,

I thought the ticket must have been from years ago - have not seen any tickets given out for years!

Sidewalks also have improved from 03 too!

Some stores are small and crowded but many (most) have room for a stroller.

Lots of new stores too.

Scarlett - Dennis and Darby might welcome their friends and regular customers differently, but I doubt it is based on what they are wearing

The "Rich Entrepreneurs" was a flippant remark, although I have had people in my business who assume that.

Posted by destiny (anonymous) on January 23, 2008 at 2:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

***buttercup26***

i'm putting my name on the list of bad experiences with that store DARBY'S! I'm not much of a "trendy" person... give me jeans and a t and i'm good to go... however my teenage sister is obessed with fashion and etc. her and i go in one christmas to look for a certain purse they didn't have it which was fine, i went to the register (to ask for a gift cert.) where they ALL were standing around nibbling on fudge being all HAPPY AND MERRY! it took me literally asking them if there was some one available to help me or was it fudge break? I was looked at and with that smae look she turned her back completely around on ME! this was a 70 DOLLAR PURSE that they never got to sell TO ME! I found a nicer place to spend that money!