Downtown Evacuations Begin

The Parkville Fire Department has removed all equipment from the lower levels, in preparation of relocating to their 45 Highway station due to imminent flooding concerns. A crew will remain in place at the downtown department until the city erects temporary dams which are scheduled to go up in the next few days.

Proprietors in the English Landing shopping area have also begun to make evacuation efforts following a meeting of business owners, residents, and city officials yesterday that drew a crowd of nearly one hundred community members.

At the meeting, Chief of Police Kevin Chrisman answered questions from concerned business owners who asked whether or not they should close their doors. Chrisman was cautious to advise merchants when to pack up, “You should use your own discretion on when to move your items,” he said.

Mark Bentley, who owns Bentley Guitar Studios located in English Landing, plans to stay in his location until after the initial flood waters arrive on Sunday which are expected to reach 752 elevation at minimum. Bentley told The Luminary that he will relocate if floodwaters are likely to block the English Landing entrance.

Other businesses have already started to evacuate. Dluxe Lounge & Cigar Deck began the process yesterday and deeply discounted remaining inventory. Owner, Mike Phillips announced that Saturday will be their last night at the English Landing location―possibly for good.

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