There may be a bump in the road for that proposal to dramatically reduce the number of free parking spaces in downtown Gainesville.

Aproposal recommended by city staff, was approved by commissioners on Monday, and will be further discussed at the end of August. Commissioners may have a petition on their desk when that meeting comes.

"I was just driving around, wasn't in a real big hurry," said Royce Bass of St. Augustine.

"I was trying to find a free spot," he said.

Bass is in Gainesville for the day, making a stop at hear again music and movies downtown. It's customers like Bass the vinyl shop is worried about losing.

"We can all work together to try to work something else out before taking it out on the general public," said Andrew Schaer, Hear Again Music & Movies owner.

Gainesville city commissioners will soon vote on a proposal to convert 77 free, on-street parking spaces to paid parking.

"I personally think we can utilize the parking garages," he said.

The argument is downtown employees are taking up the spaces.

"Because we get out so late, I try to make sure that they park at least somewhat close, for safety issues," said Lem Andrews, Dragon Fly Restaurant Manager.

The proposal would deter employees from hoarding spots.

"This is not decided, this is quite frankly anywhere near decided, in the form that it would take," said commissioner Todd Chase .

At least one business owner hopes a petition will bend their votes.

"Just put something on paper, submit it to the city and hope that they see things your way," said Schaer.