HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/7/2023 Item 6a, Emerson
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Sent:Sunday, November 5, 2023 8:12 PM
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Parking in Downtown San Luis Obispo
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Hi Councilmembers,
I am a 22 year old Cal Poly student, born and raised in San Luis Obispo. I love this city and its uniqueness. However, I am
really disappointed with the parking situation downtown. I’ve never participated in City Council meetings before but I
wanted to share my beliefs.
Since my childhood, I have attended church at the Mission. As a kid, I would go with my dad to buy shoes at Charles’
Shoes, or eat at Muzzio’s Deli. I have always loved going downtown as a local and been proud of our downtown and how
beautiful it is. However, the price and inconvenience of parking has made it difficult and ultimately unenjoyable. Most of
the people I grew up with no longer want to visit stores or restaurants downtown.
I want the council to know that the parking enforcement and pricing is ultimately discouraging locals from visiting our
amazing downtown—and enjoying our own locally owned stores. This is so disappointing. Local businesses risk losing
patronage.
Removing the parking meters made it inconvenient for quick trips downtown. Before, you were able to come up on a
meter that still had time. Now, people have to pay for parking when someone paid for the spot before them and still had
extra time.
I understand that the city intends to build new parking downtown, and funds must come from somewhere. I also
understand that the free hour in the garages—which was taken away from us—is still available at the Palm garage if you
enroll as a San Luis Obispo local. This isn’t enough. I hope that the council can explore other options that enable locals to
visit downtown for errands and enjoyment.
Thank you for your time.
Owen Emerson
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