HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/7/2022 Item 6a, Nichols
Delgado, Adriana
From:Janna Nichols <janna.nichols@sbcglobal.net>
Sent:Friday, June 3,
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Consideration of increased parking fees
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________________________________
I understand that you will soon be considering a proposal by City staff to increase downtown parking fees as a means to
fund the new Cultural Arts parking structure. As a resident of San Luis Obispo I am very much in favor of building the
new structure; however, I question whether raising parking fees is the best course of action in order to build it. I will
admit that I have not been following budget discussions closely, so if my suggestions have already been considered and
dismissed, I will certainly understand.
It seems more prudent to me to look at using revenues from the existing local sales tax, and perhaps even working to
increase the tax by .25% specifically for this purpose (with that added percentage sunsetting once funds are raised). I
believe it would be a more equitable and “appealing” option. People will not think of it in the same way and it will likely
not have the immediate deterrent that added parking fees will create, in my opinion. I also believe it will be more
equitable overall for our city, as we work to maintain a vibrant downtown. I recognize that working to increase the sale
tax measure or create a new time limited one to fund the new parking structure might sound insurmountable, but I’d
suggest that it will have far greater support and be less harmful to small downtown businesses. Perhaps this option isn’t
the answer, and if not I’d encourage you to keep looking at options. I just don’t believe increased parking fees are the
answer. If you ultimately choose to increase parking fees, then I would suggest that the burden be borne at the street
site and not in the parking structures themselves. If we want to encourage people to use the parking structures, and
give credence to why we need another one, then added fees for using the structures should be the last resort, in my
opinion. Just my two cents.
Thanks for your consideration and hard work our our behalf,
Janna Nichols
(805) 471-7404
janna.nichols@sbcglobal.net
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