08-04-2025
Crossroads businesses frustrated by city's parking rules
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Business leaders in the Crossroads District are fed up. First, it was crime. Now, they say parking is a disaster, and they fear it could drive away customers and hurt their businesses.
'We need somebody to give us a break down here in this area and let us do some business,' said Nancy Smith, managing partner at Extra Virgin and operator of Farina, both popular spots in the district.
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This isn't the first time a major Downtown Kansas City neighborhood has raised concerns. Less than six months ago, River Market businesses successfully changed the city's parking rules.
Now, Crossroads leaders are pushing for the same following a difficult situation during First Fridays this past week.
Smith isn't alone in her frustration. For many, parking has become a growing issue that extends beyond just customers. Smith says the situation has impacted her employees as well.
Smith says people are being ticketed even when the meters aren't working.
This past Friday marked the kickoff of the First Fridays event in the Crossroads, a monthly event that draws tens of thousands for food, art and entertainment.
But while the event brings excitement and vibrancy to the area, it also highlights the parking challenges businesses are facing.
Smith took to social media to share her frustrations, tagging Mayor Lucas in a Facebook post, saying:
'Incorrect signage still posted. People are getting tickets even after the post time. Businesses will close— is anyone paying attention?? Anyone in office going to help out businesses??'
When asked if they are running out of options she responded:
'We do, and yes, I'll say that 100% because we've tried to address things,' Smith explained.
The things she's looking to address:
Crime
Parking
Incorrect signage posting
'There's a group of us that are really running out of options and would like some help from the city.'
A major concern for Smith and others is the extension of paid parking hours pushing past the old 6 p.m. cutoff and into the weekends in some areas.
'There is plenty of dining options out in the suburbs where parking is plentiful and free in the evenings,' she said.
With their busy spring and summer seasons on the horizon, Smith is speaking out in hopes of finding a solution before things get worse.
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'Daytime, nighttime customers, I just feel like we've been fighting this uphill battle with the parking and the ticketing and the incorrect signage,' Smith said. 'We shouldn't be discouraging people from coming here by having paid parking seven days a week and into the evenings. That's just hurting all of us.'
FOX4 reached out to the city of Kansas City for comment. They confirmed that they are in conversation with Smith and are working with the parking division to address the issue. They plan to provide more information later this week.
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