Yesterday, October 14, 2025, local business owners and residents gathered in the public parking lot on East 4th Street to protest legislation introduced by the City of Mansfield. The proposal sought to sell half of the public lot to Park National Bank, which planned to build a new branch on the site.
In exchange, Park National Bank offered to donate its current eight-story building located at the corner of Main Street and Park Avenue West to the city. However, the deal immediately drew concern from the community. Many said the parking lot is heavily used and that losing those spaces would hurt local businesses — and, by extension, the wider community’s economy.
After the protest, Park National Bank announced that it was withdrawing its offer for the property, citing feedback from residents and business owners. Mayor Jodie Perry followed with a statement on Facebook confirming she was pulling the legislation.
“Of course, she is,” one protester remarked after hearing the news. “Park National Bank killed it when they withdrew their offer.”
Even with the proposal off the table, questions remain. Citizens are asking why the city would consider taking on a donated building that could cost millions to repair or demolish. Others want to know why the legislation was pushed through using an emergency clause — and whether invoking “emergency” powers without an actual emergency crosses a line of authority.
Concerns about Mayor Perry and the City of Mansfield’s transparency were also voiced throughout the rally. While discussing the matter with other attendees, one citizen expressed frustration, saying, “Transparency my ass,” before walking away in disgust. His name was not obtained, but his sentiment seemed to echo the mood of many gathered there.
In the end, residents celebrated the outcome as a sign that public voices still matter in Mansfield. The people showed that when local government fails to act in the public’s best interest, the community is willing to stand up and make itself heard.
The power of the people prevailed. If the city won’t serve the people, the people will serve the city. It’s notice.
