HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/7/2022 Item 6a, Duerr
Delgado, Adriana
From:sandra duerr <sduerr805@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, June
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Letter to SLO City Council re: parking rate proposal
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Letter to City Council in advance of meeting on June 7, 2022
Re: Supplemental Budget discussion (6a)
As a longtime city resident and a huge supporter of downtown, I am puzzled — and dismayed — at the city’s proposal to
double street and garage parking rates. Yes, we need another parking garage and an enhanced cultural arts district that
includes the new SLO Rep Theatre.
But this rate hike is far too hefty. It would deter more people from going downtown to shop, dine and attend events,
movies, and other activities. Without their support, local businesses will suffer financially, especially personal services
such as hair salons and yoga studios. And that in turn will reduce the city’s sales tax coffers. In addition, a hefty rate hike
would financially hurt downtown employees who currently park in city garages and make it even more difficult for local
businesses to recruit workers.
I urge the City Council to hit pause at the June 7 meeting and find another solution, one that identifies other funds, calls
for a more moderate parking fee increase and, ideally, retains the first hour of free parking. I also urge the City Council
to ensure that parking fees are consistently collected in the evenings. As much as I enjoy those times when I drive out of
a city garage with the gate up, I would be happy to pay and suspect the city is losing a lot of revenue that it could easily
collect. I’ve heard other residents voice similar comments.
Clearly, you and other city leaders have worked hard through the years to foster a vibrant downtown — a mix of people
who live, shop, dine and work there. Thanks to you and many others, we are building back the momentum lost during
the pandemic. Let’s keep moving forward!
Sandra Duerr
San Luis Obispo
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