WILMINGTON — Guests to Fermental in Ogden might be used to some leniency when it comes to parking — but things, seemingly overnight, have changed.
Fermental owner Steve Gibbs has had a previously amicable relationship with the owners and management at Ogden Village, the shopping center that is the home to Big Lots.
When things got full at Fermental guests have been known to park at the store without any issue, in fact, several businesses have said the relationship has been symbiotic and business actually has increased for them.
But now, a towing company, Riverside Towing, is conducting what Gibbs says borders on predatory towing in the parking lot.
And while Gibbs fully understands that the property is private and not connected to his, he claims the new towing company started without putting up adequate signs according to law and without much warning.
According to State Statute, towing companies must post signs at every entrance at least 24-inches by 24-inches. The law also states that a towing company cannot start removing vehicles until 72-hours after posting the signs — according to Gibbs this didn’t happen.
Even customers who have gone shopping at Big Lots or another store and then went for a beer are at risk, he said.
“The property owners also stated over the phone that “..if you support one of the businesses in the plaza, you can remain parked there.” However, we have witnessed customers being towed and having to pay to get their car back despite showing proof of a receipt of present purchase from a business that resides there (Big Lots),” according to a Fermental Facebook post about the issue.
It’s not just Fermental customers that are at risk either, the Ogden Taproom, as well as Diamonds Grille and & Billiards, are cautioned not to park in the neighboring lot.
Gibbs is fine with the property owners using a towing company if they choose to, however, he is not supportive of the aggressive nature of the towing.
Bill Hicks of Income Properties is the owner’s agent for the Ogden Village shopping center and says the towing is necessary and requested by tenants and customers of the plaza.
He said there have been multiple incidents where the overflow of parking has gotten out of hand, and instances of inappropriate behavior by people parking there.
He also claims there have been broken beer bottles, cans, and ever syringes found in the parking lot that has led them to get more vigilant on illegal parking.
Regardless, visitors to Fermental or any other neighboring location should be aware of the newly-enforced towing practices and park only in proper spaces.
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