Parking on Hillsborough Street has always been difficult to maneuver, but with the repaving and beautification project, businesses are counting on business to pick up. However, Dan Mall, the owner of Jimmy John’s on Hillsborough Street, seems to be out to benefit his own pocket by strictly monitoring his lot and towing non-customer’s cars soon after they are parked “to make room” for his customers. Mall should be working to increase business on Hillsborough and manage his parking lot problems differently.
Just because visitors are not immediately going into the businesses in the building managed by Mall, does not mean they should be immediately towed. This is unreasonable and this is not solving any of the problems business has faced. This scares away customers and, according to other owners nearby, hurts the other businesses around the building. If Mall is having problems with visitors abusing his parking lot, he needs to bring in other means to handle the issue.
Hall should be concerned that Carolina Auto Recovery Specialists, the towing company he has an agreement with, is rated “F” by the Better Business Bureau, while there is another towing company, Ace Towing and Recovery, that other businesses on Hillsborough use and has a rating of “A.” Mall should not make excuses and put this on the Raleigh Police Department. The BBB has most towing businesses rated on their website.
Another concern Mall should have is the impound lot of Carolina Auto Recovery Specialists is about 15 to 20 minutes away. Visitors who have had their cars towed would have trouble traveling this far, especially since the lot is not serviced by the TTA bus system. The area is poorly lit and leaves students and other citizens at risk. There have also been claims the manager of the lot is hard to reach, which makes it difficult for people to get their cars back. This company has a legal obligation to be available to people seeking to get their cars back. Ultimately, these concerns could lead to legal action by either individuals or the city council.
Mall should be concerned with the ultimate effect all of this can have on his business. Students and visitors may interpret his choice of a poorly-rated towing business with poorly-managed facilities as how much Mall does not care about their business, and that should be something he cares about as a business man. With reasonable policies in place and open business practices, Mall can successfully manage his parking problem, while still serving his customers.
