A Lot Near Noco Provisions Is Issuing Private Tickets and Towing Cars. Drivers Say They Had No Idea.

A parking lot on Cascade Road SE in Cascade has become a flashpoint for frustrated drivers. Neighbors say they are receiving private parking tickets and having their cars towed with fees reaching $461 or more. The lot sits behind Noco Provisions, a popular restaurant at 4609 Cascade Rd SE.

The controversy first surfaced in April when neighbors posted complaints on social media. The complaints resurfaced again last week, prompting questions about who is enforcing the parking restrictions and whether the tickets are legal.

Who Is Behind the Enforcement?

The answer is not what many drivers expected. Neither Noco Provisions nor Azul Agave, the Mexican restaurant located in front of the lot, has anything to do with the ticketing or towing.

"We want everyone to know that we share in their frustrations and certainly think the parking situation could have been handled differently by whomever is having vehicles towed," Noco Provisions said in a written statement.

Azul Agave has not yet opened for business. The restaurant's owner told Fox 17 she was not aware of the enforcement issue until she saw a social media post about it.

John Francis, property manager with Francis Realty Co, confirmed his company manages the lot and handles the enforcement. Francis said the property had allowed people to park there without consequences for a long time. The company recently decided to start actively enforcing parking restrictions.

Francis said the enforcement protects private property and tenants connected to the lot. He pointed to signs posted throughout the property, including a "customer parking only" sign at the entrance.

Are the Tickets Legal?

The Kent County Sheriff's Office confirmed the tickets are private parking tickets. They are not issued by law enforcement.

The Sheriff's Office said it does not enforce these tickets, and if they go unpaid, they could be sent to collections.

Grand Rapids Township also confirmed it was not behind the tickets.

What Drivers Are Saying

Michelle, a Forest Hills neighbor who was ticketed after parking in the lot, said she discovered she was not allowed to park there after seeing a sign near the hostess stand inside Noco Provisions.

"To go from an honest mistake and have somebody jump on it right away, within 10 minutes, it just feels kinda gross," Michelle said.

Another driver reported on social media that their car was towed with a fee of $461 plus the ticket violation.

Where Does the Money Go?

Francis confirmed that money from parking tickets does not go to the landlord or the property management company. He declined to say where the ticket revenue goes.

The towing company involved said money paid for towing stays with them. The company cited rising costs for fuel and storage.

What Noco Provisions Is Telling Customers

Noco Provisions said it has two parking lots. One is in front of the restaurant. Another overflow lot is located across Delray Avenue next to Kennedy's Flower Shop.

The restaurant reminds customers to use those lots instead of the private lot behind the building.

What To Know If You Park in Cascade

• The parking lot behind Noco Provisions on Cascade Road SE is private property
• Tickets issued there are private parking tickets, not municipal citations
• The Kent County Sheriff's Office does not enforce these tickets
• Unpaid tickets may be sent to collections
• Towing fees have been reported as high as $461
• Noco Provisions directs customers to parking in front of the restaurant or across Delray Avenue near Kennedy's Flower Shop