The noise, confusion and lack of parking in downtown Murphy, some of which is temporary, has been no less frustrating to business owners and visitors alike.
According to several business owners, there is simply not enough parking for their customers, as the limited spots are being utilized by construction crews, store employees and people using the Cherokee County Courthouse. The signs limiting parking time to three hours are not helping, as they’ve proven to be ineffective due to lack of enforcement.
 |
Gene Meadows
“Someone needs to go around and monitor the parking times, but I don’t think they have enough manpower nor money to do it. They could build a two-story parking lot.”
Gene Meadows
Indigo Mountain Traders
 |
Dan McClung
“It’s been constant noise. It’s so loud in here. I asked a worker why they weren’t working at night, and they said the N.C. Department of Transportation told them they couldn’t work at night.” As to the problems with parking, he believes some store owners and employees, as well as construction workers, are parking in the spaces for as long as eight hours a day, not the customers. His solution: “They need to find the money and build a multi-level parking lot.”
Dan McClung, Appalachian Electric Bikes and Frameworks
 |
Karen Stack
“I don’t think the parking has affected us that much except maybe during our workshops. There’s been a few times that our parking in the back has been blocked because of construction people so we were trapped in our parking spots but it resolved.” She’s not sure what would help the parking situation, but noticed it’s worse on Thursdays because of court and the attorneys.
Karen Stack, Olive’s Porch
 |
Deni Graves
“I’m really frustrated by those blaming business owners for parking in the spots. The businesses do not have enough parking because those attending criminal and traffic court, and the attorneys, are using the spaces. Business owners are disappointed because we go out of our way to make downtown special for visitors and their families, and all they do is get blamed for lack of parking, it’s wrong. They need to move the courthouse next to the jail so those involved in various aspects of the court system will have more spaces.”
Deni Graves, Marketplace Antiques
 |
Jody Quillian
“Nobody wants to come down here and shop because there’s nowhere to park. With this roadwork they’ve been parking all their work vehicles all the way down here so there’s nowhere for anybody to park. They were suppose to do the work at night. It’s been bad and has hurt us a lot.” She believes a parking garage would help.
Jody Quillian, Glitz & Glamour Boutique