‘Enough is enough.’ Point Ruston merchants’ group planning protest over issues at site
Some Point Ruston merchants are planning what they describe as a “peaceful protest” Saturday at the waterfront site.
A Waterfront Merchants Alliance news release sent Wednesday states the event is planned for 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the site’s parking lots and retail parking stalls.
The protest is in response to what the group says is “exploitative parking practices” and site mismanagement, which it contends have chased away local businesses and visitors alike.
“This event is more than a protest — it’s a movement to shine a light on exploitative practices and fight for a vibrant, inclusive community hub,” the release stated.
The move comes following adjustments made by the Point Ruston owner’s group/management on parking enforcement, some of which was implemented last summer and other elements that began at the start of the new year.
As reported by The News Tribune earlier this week, more businesses are now confronted with employee parking costs amid continuing litigation tied to debt collection involving receiverships, including the Point Ruston Owners Association.
In addition, some businesses at the start of the year lost the ability to validate parking as ownership entities have contested amounts owed among assessments.
PROA, which entered custodial receivership last year, is responsible for oversight and management of the property. A receiver provides third-party oversight in shoring up the site’s operations, budget/finances and collections.
Representatives for PROA’s receiver, Revitalization Partners, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the protest plans.
Employee parking on the garage’s lower level is at $1 an hour plus tax, presumably payable by the employer. For visitors, parking costs $4 an hour plus tax (for total of $5.80) in the Public Garage and along the streets, with tickets starting at $59 for unpaid or unvalidated parking. Three or more violations can lead to a vehicle being towed.
Grace period for validation is 15 minutes. Payment is via use of QR codes on site.
Last summer, parking charges also started to be implemented at spaces that were once free near the public market.
‘Nobody coming to save us’
Waterfront Merchant Alliance president Chyna Willman told The News Tribune on Wednesday some of the merchants decided to support a one-day action to call attention to the effect of the new costs on businesses. The latest rules were outlined in the 2025 PROA parking guide distributed to businesses.
The plan on Saturday is for supporters to fill the parking spots all day.
Parking costs and ticketing enforcement at Point Ruston have long been a sticking point for some of the merchants who contend it has discouraged growth and hurt the ability to compete with other retail centers.
Marketing also has been an issue. Last year, a cease-and-desist order was sent from an attorney representing Point Ruston LLC, the development’s original, overarching business entity, amid efforts to launch a farmer’s market and merchant alliance.
At issue was the fact the two entities included Point Ruston’s trademarked name in their registered titles. Though licensing its use was floated as an option, the entities did not pursue because of cost.
Meanwhile, agents for PROA’s receiver, Seattle-based Revitalization Partners, have noted in court filings that the owners association’s financial position is “perilous.”
In the most recent report filed in December, RP’s senior director Kern Gillette wrote, “The receiver and its counsel continued to spend substantial time and efforts on collection of accounts receivable ...”
Willman said the marketing battles, along with the parking challenges, have taken a toll.
“There’s nobody coming to save us,” Willman said in a brief interview. “They’ve prioritized profits on parking over the well-being of our community and our businesses. And we are all collectively suffering.”
She added that “the whole point of the event is to let people see who we are and stop taking the fall for all of this ... Enough is enough and we don’t have any more time for this to play out in the court system.”
Previous reporting by The News Tribune contributed to this report.
This story was originally published January 17, 2025 at 5:15 AM.
