HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/7/2023 Item 6a, Howarter
Alyssa Howarter <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Parking Rates
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Good morning,
I'm writing to voice my concerns with the recently raised parking rates in downtown SLO.
As a LOCAL who thoroughly enjoys spending time in the downtown area, these new rates have dissuaded me on more
than one occasion from spending time shopping at my favorite stores and eating at my favorite restaurants. Although
we do receive our first hour for free (in only 1 particular parking garage), I find myself rushing in and out of stores, trying
to accomplish what I need to quickly so I don't have to pay these higher rates.
As an EMPLOYEE of a downtown business for the past 6yrs., I've seen foot traffic drastically decrease in the past month
and our customers grow more and more vocal about how they're choosing to not to go downtown anymore. Our
business has a secondary location located outside of the downtown limits; and for the first time since that location has
been open, its sales have surpassed our downtown location's typically-much-higher profits. More evidence that people
are avoiding downtown.
As a MANAGER it is difficult knowing our female employees must park far away and walk back to their cars late at night
to avoid paying $24 for their 6hr. shift. At the very least, employees should be offered more relief to incentivize safer
choices.
In conclusion, I love this city and I love this community. I've seen some very dark times hit downtown SLO businesses in
recent years, and I want things to start turning around before it's too late. Please consider alternative measures to pay
off SLO's debt that don't involve such drastic price hikes. Thank you.
Alyssa Howarter
alyssa.howarter@gmail.com
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