HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/7/2023 Item 6a, Herbekian
From:Ana Bass Herbekian <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Parking
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City Council Members and City Management Staff:
I have resided in this area since 1996. I have witnessed many City Council decisions, good and bad over the years, but
the most agregious, greedy, and thoughtless one occured when all parking lot spaces, and all meters started charging
$3.00 per hour - no exceptions. I’ve heard justifications from people that it’s at least that expensive to park in the likes of
Los Angeles and San Francisco. Personally, as a retired, fixed income resident, that doesn’t hold water, because that’s
too high any where. And, the average annual income for the Central Coast doesn’t support that idea either.
And, lest we forget, if you believe that you’re parking in a non-metered area because you’ve looked and don’t see
signage, especially at night where signage isn’t particularly well lit or visually available, you will find yourself with a very
hefty parking ticket. How is that even acceptable? Most people aren’t trying to get away with anything, and the sticker
shock of punitive fees sends a clear message that one should take extreme care in protecting onself when entering the
city limits of San Luis Obispo, because you just might be robbed, and not by any pedestrian thief.
Other than San Luis Obispo, every other surrounding town in the Central Coast region has either reasonable parking fees
or no meters at all. I would have to surmise that they understand that local businesses profit from the ability to draw
customers, which in turn profits the city they occupy through increased revenue. It makes for a vibrant community
available to all - a win-win result. The vast majority of businesses are now either suffering financially or closing all too
frequently in San Luis Obispo because of this decision. This is particularly true of restaurants, and small retail businesses,
some of which have thrived here for many years.
Every one is suffering from this decision. No one I know, including myself, wants to go to or is going to downtown San
Luis Obispo any longer. It feels like we’ve been shoved out of a place we have loved, and felt part of, and participated in
on many levels. Inflation has taken its toll on the citizenry, and now this is like the last nail in the coffin for us and our
beloved community.
I understand that starting the first of November, the parking lot buildings will offer the first hour free. That is a
welcomed concession, but it is not nearly enough. For the health, wealth, and well being of this city, please reconsider
lowering the parking fees to a reasonable amount, including the first hour free in the buildings and on the streets. Please
also consider reviewing where signage about parking is viewable and readable especially at night.
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Respectfully
Ana Bass Herbekian
805-801-9446
Anabass@icloud.com
PEACE
Show kindness,
Ana
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