HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/7/2023 Item 6a, Cota, A.
Addy Cota <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Parking Rate ATTN: City Council Meeting 11/07/2023
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For the attention of the following:
Erica A. Stewart, Jan Marx, Emily Francis, Andy Pease, and Michelle Shoresman
I am writing this email to urge the city council to review the current parking measures as soon as possible. I
believe that the new parking situation is not only financially irresponsible, but also extremely dangerous.
I have been a worker of downtown SLO since 2016. I have worked at a restaurant, coffee shop, retail store,
and now a hair salon. I love how downtown SLO has been so interconnected and accessible. It was my own
little utopia.
But lately, things feel hostile. Most customers are agitated by the lack of education or information regarding
these new parking changes, which affects the business and attitude of us trying to make a living in this area.
The effects are easy or see. I see less and less people making appointments and coming into my business. I
feel as though we did not get any say on these changes, specifically whether a new parking structure was
needed. Don’t we the workers - the backbone of the downtown community - deserve say in what should be
built, how funds should be allocated, and have access to safe and affordable parking?
I am also a young woman in this community. Most of my female coworkers and friends find themselves parking
farther and farther away since parking is now 20% of their take home pay. This is dangerous. Streets are
poorly lit, and while we may feel that SLO is a safe haven - sexual assault is a looming danger to all of us.
Our parking rates also rank higher than other popular destinations in California - including Monterey, Santa
Barbara, and Carmel. With a downtown economy that ranked one of the worst in the nation, limited
entertainment options, and every other building an empty storefront, shouldn’t we make it easier and more
accessible for folks to access our businesses?
I urge the city council to first consider returning the free hour to the parking rates.
Secondly, please extend the amount of time that someone can park in a spot.
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Lastly, please include us in the dialogue. We are a vital part of the downtown economy, and deserve a seat at
the table.
Thank you for your time.
Aidan Cota
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