HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/20/2021 Item 6b, Slem
From:Charles M. Slem <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:San Luis Obispo Parklet Survey
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We did not find the online 'outdoor dining survey' until after it closed. Since we have a strong
opinion about a careful analysis of parklets, we decided to follow-up with personal communication
to our councilpersons:
During the height of the pandemic, parklets were a flexible response to support our local eating
establishments, and we support their use until the economic hardships for these businesses are over.
While we are confident that the council is aware of the potential benefits of parklets and how parklets
might fit in with their vision of the downtown core, the parklets, however, raise significant issues
after the pandemic has run its course.
Downtown Parking Impacts:
Parking has already gotten busy again and parking had already again become a
problem before June 15. The perception is that parklets are making the situation worse.
Too many local residents find themselves being encouraged to shop at
destinations that offer ample and free parking. We noticed a recent
Tribune article about the San Luis Obispo Public Market at Bonetti Ranch
quoted parking availability as one of the attractions of the new
development.
Until adequate parking is restored, parklets pose a burden to the rest of the downtown
businesses that require adequate foot traffic to prosper.
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In addition, the significant number of SLO seniors with mobility issues will find the
downtown core more difficult to access.
Disabled parking has also become a greater challenge, with the parklets
being one of the potential culprits. The city often seems tone deaf to
mobility challenges and/or guilty of intergenerational bias when access to
downtown is discussed.
Aesthetics:
The aesthetics of most of the parklets leave much to be desired. Part of this may be due
to their barrier interface with traffic lanes, but it is likely that creating an attractive space
is going to be very costly.
Health:
Parklets expose patrons to urban pollution, especially traffic pollution. The only
solutions offered that we have seen require eliminating traffic.
Safety:
One of the other health and safety issues associated with parklets has to do with being
exposed to increased vulnerability by eating outside in an urban environment. Both
patrons and staff are at greater risk for:
Public Demonstrations: It has already been documented that San Luis Obispo diners
were immediately exposed to street demonstrators who stormed the parklets and
harassed and intimidated patrons along Monterey Street.
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Aggressive panhandling poses another hazard to the enjoyment of downtown and
parklets make customers even more vulnerable when sitting outside. Aggressive
panhandling is part of a bigger issue that continues to elude effective solutions.
Random Violence: While statistically rare for any one locality, random violence has
become a front page issue and the potential opportunity that parklets offer has to be a
significant challenge for local policing.
While increased outside dining has potential, we encourage a very slow and deliberative approach
rather than a hasty, "take advantage of the opportunity" tactic.
Sincerely
Chuck and Alexa Slem
348 Lincoln Street
San Luis Obispo
(805) 543-5604
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