HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/7/2023 Item 6a, McDougall
Dawnna McDougall <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Parking
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Members of the Council,
Please consider the following...
The economy has changed drastically in the 20 years since the parking garage serving the "Cultural Arts
District” was proposed. Since then funding for the new San Luis Obispo Art Museum didn’t materialize, and the
SLO Repertory Theater suffered financially due to the Pandemic and is just now getting its productions in
place. Raising downtown parking prices now to fund another downtown garage should not be a priority at this
time, especially, as we attempt to encourage cats pooling and public transportation.
Downtown San Luis Obispo has lost business after business since 2020, and those remaining are struggling,
many new businesses don’t necessary represent businesses which support a viable downtown for those who
actually make their home here as I have since 1972.
Last month, the SLO Friends of the Library held a 3 day book sale in the Community Room. Many patrons told
us parking fees limited their time to browse leisurely, and it made a hardship on our dedicated volunteers.
I recommend the Council listen to the community, especially to the 80 and more business owners who have
appealed for revisiting the parking fee fiasco. Returning to the one hour free parking in both garages is a start,
but not enough - also reducing the hourly parking fees in the garages and on street parking by half should be
considered.
Dawnna McDougall
Board Member
SLO Friends of the Library
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