ALBERT LEA, Minn. – One of the two accessible entrances to the Freeborn County Government’s Center is on Broadway Avenue.
There is only one handicap accessible parking spot in front of that entrance.
Steve Steele uses a wheelchair for health conditions. He said the parking spot is often abused.
“It's so illegal and it's so difficult for a handicap person,” he said.
When KIMT was talking with Steele, the parking spot was open, but a car was parked, blocking the evened out part of the curb that allows a wheelchair to get on the side walk.
“It's parked right where the people would come with a wheel chair,” Steele said. “And it's marked that they shouldn't be parked there, but they don't do a thing about it.”
He wants to see more enforcement. According to Steele, the designated parking spot is not enforced.
Since the parking stall is on a city street, it is the City of Albert Lea’s responsibility.
The city said they got complaints of people abusing the parking spot and added a sign to make its label more visible to drivers.
They said they give citations when called about a person wrongfully parking there. The fine is $200.
Two accessible parking spots are in the lot towards the back entrance of the Government’s Center. These spots are up to the county to enforce.