Philadelphia residents, businesses report parking confusion, tickets near FIFA Fan Fest zone

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Residents and visitors near the FIFA Fan Fest site at Philadelphia's Lemon Hill say excitement over the event is being overshadowed by confusion about parking enforcement, with some reporting tickets and tows even after applying for special residential permits.

The Fan Fest appears to be bringing excitement to surrounding neighborhoods, but also frustration, particularly over parking rules.

"Excited and happy that I can go!" said eight-year-old Madilyn Shields of Fairmount.

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Residents say restrictions have tightened on some streets, making parking harder to find.

"People have been struggling to find parking on Girard because it's all permit parking now," said Megan Shields of Fairmount as she and her family headed to Fan Fest.

Some residents report they have been ticketed or towed despite applying for permits within the Fan Fest enforcement zone.

"We have heard of folks who are inside the zone who were ticketed who applied for the permit, but their application just hasn't gone through with the parking authority," said Councilmember Jeffrey Young.

Along Girard Avenue near 28th Street, Philadelphia Parking Authority workers were seen patrolling.

RELATED: Hundreds pack FIFA Fan Fest in Philadelphia as traffic frustrates neighbors

One resident, who asked not to be identified, said he received multiple tickets while waiting for his permit to be processed.

"So yesterday, I emailed the PPA because I got a ticket. I come out today and here's another one!" he said.

The parking issues are also affecting local businesses.

City officials had said Fan Fest foot traffic would boost nearby shops, but some owners say they are seeing the opposite.

"We've actually seen a decline," said Raquel Dang, owner of Baby's Kusina.

Dang said parking concerns appear to be deterring customers.

"It was the one thing I was worried about. That's definitely what we've seen in the past four or five days," she said.

Dang says that she shares in the excitement for the World Cup, but wishes the city had had a more organized approach that met the needs of businesses and residents.

RELATED: Philadelphia releases parking, transit and security info for FIFA Fan Festival and World Cup

City officials say metered spots along Girard near 28th Street are not supposed to fall under residential permit-only rules.

However, some customers say they have still received tickets.

Signage has also added to the confusion. Electronic message boards warn that parking is restricted to residents, while other notices are less visible.

Some paper signs are taped to poles and appear crumpled, while others have slipped down and now rest on sidewalks.

"I wouldn't even know it was here! Especially when it's folded up like this. Now I know. This has got to stop!" said Tyrell King of West Philadelphia.

In a statement, the Philadelphia Parking Authority said: "Owners ticketed in error will receive a cancellation notice by mail. Any vehicle towed in error will also have its violation canceled and all fees refunded. The PPA apologizes for any inconvenience."

Despite the issues, many residents say they are pleased the city is hosting the World Cup-related event, but want clearer communication and enforcement.

"We want to make sure there's a positive feeling from this Fan Fest. We don't want our residents feeling like it wasn't a positive experience," Young said.

Young is urging the city to install more large electronic signs and improve road closure markings.

The FIFA Fan Fest is scheduled to continue for another 34 days, and residents say they hope parking issues are resolved before then.