The lot behind Noco Provisions is costing drivers hundreds. No one will say who is running it.

Forest Hills residents are filing complaints about surprise parking tickets and towing bills that have run as high as $461 in a lot that sits between two downtown businesses. The controversy has left neighbors asking a simple question. Who owns the lot.

The parking area sits behind Noco Provisions and in front of the not yet open Azul Agave restaurant on Delray Avenue. Drivers say signage in the section behind Noco Provisions is minimal. One Azul Agave sign is visible. A "customer parking only" sign marks the entrance to the larger lot.

The issue first surfaced in April when neighbors posted complaints on social media.

"My car was towed last night. $461 plus the ticket violation."

Similar complaints resurfaced in recent weeks according to FOX 17.

A neighbor who parked for less than 10 minutes got a ticket

Michelle, a Forest Hills resident who asked that only her first name be used, said she was dining at Noco Provisions when she noticed a sign near the hostess stand warning that the rear lot was restricted.

"I immediately got up, went to come out to get my car. It was less than 10 minutes," Michelle said.

When she returned to her vehicle she found a ticket on the windshield.

Both businesses deny responsibility

Noco Provisions issued a written statement saying the restaurant has no role in the ticketing or towing. The business said it operates two separate parking lots. One is in front of the building. The other is across Delray Avenue next to Kennedy's Flower Shop.

"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," the statement read.

Neighbors on social media wondered whether Azul Agave was behind the enforcement since the restaurant has not yet opened. The restaurant's owner told FOX 17 that she is not authorizing any ticketing or towing. She said she was unaware of the enforcement until seeing a post about it online.

Property records point to an owner who will not comment

Kent County property records identify the owner of the lot. FOX 17 reported that attempts to reach the property owner through available contact information were unsuccessful.

Questions remain about who is responsible for the enforcement. Where the fine money goes. And why the lot is being policed so aggressively.

The investigation into the parking enforcement is ongoing.

Tags: parking, Forest Hills, Delray Avenue, Noco Provisions, Azul Agave