HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/7/2023 Item 6a, Bennett
Tim Bennett <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Downtown Parking thoughts
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Dear City Council…
I’m a retired SLO city homeowner, and I’m in shock every time I go downtown to feed the meter this year. But
to raise the rate from $1/hr to $4/hr is egregious. There was little warning, but more importantly, there was not
enough time for public feedback and opportunities for dialog.
I’m saddened to hear from restaurant owner, Len Cohen, on Dave Congalton’s show that he got an “email”
from the city announcing that parking was being raised two months in advance. No call to discuss. No meeting
to explain. No thoughtfulness on the impact it would have on businesses, their workers, or clients.
Cohen raised some ideas on Congalton’s show that might have helped to offset costs for his employees and
helped reduce the negative impact on his restaurant. It seemed the impact was greater on the Creamery
businesses.
And now you have to navigate coins, credit cards and apps on almost every trip.
Having run a billion-dollar enterprise, and been a catalyst in Oprah’s coverage of the “happiest city in America,”
last decade, I’d say this was a sad moment for SLO.
Sincerely,
Tim Bennett
1930 Castillo Court
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
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