ORANGE PARK – To free up parking for patients, Precision Dermatology & Skin Surgery mandated its employees to park their cars on Blake Avenue, much to the dismay of the residents who live along the street.

This has been an ongoing issue for residents since 2018 and was brought to the town council’s attention earlier this year.

Mayor Randy Anderson committed himself to spearhead talks with the dermatology clinic to find a resolution.

“About 70 days ago, I got involved with this. It started to get better as I worked with the doctor’s office. I met with them last Thursday. We went out. We talked options. I talked to some of the business owners locally. They’re frustrated just like the residents,” said Anderson.

“Employees park in the residential neighborhood. About 18-to-24 cars on Blake Avenue sometimes park on the grass, block driveways and mailboxes. Trying to drive down Blake Avenue is dangerous,” a resident said. 

“I appreciate the mayor’s support. He has been diligent in helping with this situation,” she said. 

The resident was pleased with how the situation has cleared up on Blake Avenue, but she foresees the employee cars returning without a formal, long-term solution. She petitioned the town council to pass a new ordinance prohibiting commercial parking in a residential neighborhood.

“When you (the mayor) quit going, they’ll keep coming back,” said another resident.

The mayor agreed.

“I’ll bring it to the council. We need to take action on this,” Anderson said.

Town attorney Jody Brooks recommended an amendment to an existing town ordinance depending on which direction the town wanted to take: no commercial parking, no commercial parking on weekdays from 9 a.m-5 p.m. on weekdays, no parking on the left side of the street or no parking on the other side.

Brooks said that enforceability would also be an issue.

“How will you know which cars are residential and which ones are commercial?” she said.

Council member Doug Benefield said the fair solution would be to limit parking on both sides.

“If you put ‘No Parking’ signs on one side of the road and if I lived on the other side, I’d be annoyed,” Benefield said.

“I think you have to do them on both sides, Monday through Friday – except on holidays – 9 to 5,” he said.

“They work pretty long days. They come in pretty early. A 9 to 5 might not cut it,” said Councilmember Winnette Sandlin.

As an update to the town’s parking ordinance is discussed and updated, there will be a hearing process for residents to voice their concerns and suggestions.

The council typically meets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month at Town Hall. However, because of the Presidential Preference Primary on March 19, the council’s next meeting will be Wednesday, March 20.