HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/21/2023 Item 6a, Williams
From:Rod Williams <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Downtown parking
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Greetings,
I am a SLO resident and would like to congratulate the city for its forward-looking bicycle usage policy. I've noticed
dedicated bicycle lanes going in almost everywhere. For the sake of our environment, those hundreds of thousands of
dollars are both well spent and appreciated by your community.
I'm trying to do my part too. Over the last years I have transitioned to using motorcycles as my primary means of
transportation. Continuing its support for environmental responsibility, I am suggesting SLO should encourage this
method of transportation too. I see that SLO has designated motorcycle parking spots in the downtown area. That's a
good start. In addition:
1) I suggest that SLO provide ALL designated motorcycle parking spots in downtown SLO Free Parking.
For the benefit or our environment, this policy would incur the virtually unnoticeable cost of lost motorcycle parking
revenue.
I also noticed that traffic in downtown SLO slows significantly by 7-8 pm. This is prime-time for downtown restaurants,
taverns and other evening oriented businesses. SLO's current parking policy to maintain parking fees until 9pm
discourages visits to downtown during this peak evening business period. So then:
2) I suggest that SLO provide ALL vehicles after 6pm Free Parking.
I expect that all retail business owners would support this recommendation. Further this policy change may actually -
Increase - SLO city revenue.
For instance, an increase in downtown evening business revenue would increase SLO retail tax income. Over the long
run, I expect this increase in tax would be greater than the minimal parking revenue loss from a largely abandoned
downtown area after 7-8 pm.
For a real world comparison contact Arroyo Grande city management. AG's downtown free parking policy is strongly
supported by both the city and their business community because it Increases their city's business revenue.
So then, my 2 recommendations:
-- Free motorcycle parking in designated motorcycle parking spots.
-- Free parking for ALL vehicles after 6 pm.
Thank-you for your consideration.
1
Rod Williams
2