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Tow Trucks Hold Edge Near Nats Ballpark

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Business owners said last night that the rules are a burden to customers and employees.

Betsy Allman, who works for the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington and lives blocks from the ballpark, said a restaurant reported a 60 percent decline in dinner business on game nights. Others said that employees have had their cars ticketed and towed.

Moneme said the new parking program was being worked out. "It is not our policy to hurt businesses," he said.

Churchgoers also questioned the virtue of aggressive enforcement, which several said requires them to listen to sermons with an eye on their watches.

"Is it being done to squeeze out the African American churches in this community?" said Cheryl Kelley, a Maryland resident who is a member of Ebenezer United Methodist Church at Fourth and D streets SE.

Visitor passes exempting congregants from restrictions have been supplied to churches.

Not everyone came to complain, however. Some praised the city's vigilance, saying that for the first time in years, they could find a parking space outside their homes.

Michael Wilson, who lives in the 100 block of D Street SE, described himself as "a vociferous supporter of the pilot program."

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