Paying the Piper

After months of research, wrangling, and soul-searching, we have come to the conclusion that we are going to submit terms to Woodstock Town Council to pay the $18 000 due to our lack of onsite parking.

Usually when I tell people this, they start with questions....

Them: What do you mean, no parking, the Courthouse is there, the Weslyan Church is there, why can't you use that?

Me: The by-law says we have to have our own dedicated parking. We had a deal with the Presbyterian church but it wasn't within 500 feet of 702, and they don't have enough parking under the by-law either.

Them: So, why is it $18 000?
Me: We are required to have 10 onsite parking spaces due to the square footage of our building. We have one at the house, so we have to pay $2000 per space that we don't have.

Them: What about the houses next door? They don't have enough parking.
Me: They were built before this bylaw took effect last August, and are exempt from these rules.

Them: So, what does the $18 000 do? Get you the parking spaces?
Me: No, it goes into a fund for the Town of Woodstock to create more parking in town.

Them: How are you going to pay for this?
Me: Fundraise our butts off. And try to pay over the course of many years.