TBAAL patrons literally get the boot
http://www.aframnews.com/html/interspire/articles/1373/1/TBAAL-patrons-literally-get-the-boot/Page1.html
Tuala Williams
Tuala Williams is the general manager of African-American News&Issues.By Tuala Williams
Published on 02/15/2010
DALLAS- Curtis King of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters is tired of his patrons getting the boot. King has been working with Dallas City Councilmember Tennell Atkins to address the allegations against Parking Company of America regarding the practice of booting “non-paying” customers. According to TBAAL officials, at least twice a week visitors who patronize the theater return to their cars only to find a “boot” on their vehicle.
DALLAS- Curtis King of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters is tired of his patrons getting the boot. King has been working with Dallas City Councilmember Tennell Atkins to address the allegations against Parking Company of America regarding the practice of booting “non-paying” customers. According to TBAAL officials, at least twice a week visitors who patronize the theater return to their cars only to find a “boot” on their vehicle.
Parking Company of America owns the parking lot directly across from TBAAL, located on the corner of Akard and Cadiz. The parking lot does not employ an attendant, but utilizes a payment box with numbered slots in which money is deposited according to the corresponding parking space. The payment box is monitored throughout the day for payment.
When a patron is believed to have skipped out on payment, a device, commonly referred to as a boot, is placed on the wheel of the car to prevent movement. The patron must pay a minimum of $100 to have the boot removed. A TBAAL official said that at times, it takes up to two hours before a representative arrives to remove the boot.
Officials at TBAAL complain that because an attendant is not present, the boot is unfair. They sought relief from a city ordinance to prevent Parking Company of America from being able to “boot” a car unless they provide receipts to paying customers at the time they park. Many customers have complained they prepaid as required, but do not have away to prove it.
But TBAAL was not the first to cry foul. Business owners in Deep Ellum, an area on the edge of downtown Dallas known for its nighttime entertainment, complained to the city last year. Dallas City Council members responded by approving an ordinance prohibiting parking lot owners from booting a car unless a receipt is provided for all paying customers.
The rule went into effect Jan. 1, for Deep Ellum and was slated to go into effect in downtown Dallas in July. However, because of persistent complaints, city council members decided, 11 to 4, it was in the city’s best interest to make the ordinance effective Thursday. The City of Dallas has made a concerted effort to lure tourists and Dallas natives to the downtown area, hoping to strengthen its economy.
Some feared the practice of booting customers without a receipt will discourage individuals from patronizing the downtown area and visiting its theaters, restaurants and entertainment venues.
John Hall, Star Parking manager, said he has received several calls confusing their parking lot with Parking Company of America. However, he says he has not booted cars in a long time. “There’s no love lost between me and the booting company. I support them getting rid of them,” said Hall.
Parking Company of America owns the parking lot directly across from TBAAL, located on the corner of Akard and Cadiz. The parking lot does not employ an attendant, but utilizes a payment box with numbered slots in which money is deposited according to the corresponding parking space. The payment box is monitored throughout the day for payment.
When a patron is believed to have skipped out on payment, a device, commonly referred to as a boot, is placed on the wheel of the car to prevent movement. The patron must pay a minimum of $100 to have the boot removed. A TBAAL official said that at times, it takes up to two hours before a representative arrives to remove the boot.
Officials at TBAAL complain that because an attendant is not present, the boot is unfair. They sought relief from a city ordinance to prevent Parking Company of America from being able to “boot” a car unless they provide receipts to paying customers at the time they park. Many customers have complained they prepaid as required, but do not have away to prove it.
But TBAAL was not the first to cry foul. Business owners in Deep Ellum, an area on the edge of downtown Dallas known for its nighttime entertainment, complained to the city last year. Dallas City Council members responded by approving an ordinance prohibiting parking lot owners from booting a car unless a receipt is provided for all paying customers.
The rule went into effect Jan. 1, for Deep Ellum and was slated to go into effect in downtown Dallas in July. However, because of persistent complaints, city council members decided, 11 to 4, it was in the city’s best interest to make the ordinance effective Thursday. The City of Dallas has made a concerted effort to lure tourists and Dallas natives to the downtown area, hoping to strengthen its economy.
Some feared the practice of booting customers without a receipt will discourage individuals from patronizing the downtown area and visiting its theaters, restaurants and entertainment venues.
John Hall, Star Parking manager, said he has received several calls confusing their parking lot with Parking Company of America. However, he says he has not booted cars in a long time. “There’s no love lost between me and the booting company. I support them getting rid of them,” said Hall.