HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/7/2023 Item 6a, Sletteland
From:Holly H. Sletteland <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Parking
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I just learned that you will be discussing the parking program Tuesday evening. I am not a resident of SLO, but visit a lot
and share the frustra?ons of so many others with the current parking program. The rates are absurdly expensive and
have really made me think twice about going out to eat, catch a movie or shop in downtown SLO. But even more than
the fees, I find the system to be absolutely abominable. It was so much easier using meters. You didn’t have to hunt for
an elusive pay sta?on and paying was simple and straigh?orward. This system is so convoluted, lines queue up in the
parking structure with befuddled people trying to figure out how to pay. I registered for a local permit thinking that if
you had my car and credit card informa?on in advance, it would make things easy. But no, you have to enter all that
stuff all over again. There must be a system like the FastPass in the Bay Area that has a device you keep in the car that
can track when you enter and leave and charge you accordingly. If not, the ?cket system is far easier to use (grab a ?cket
when you come in and submit it when you leave), although the system has swallowed my credit card twice in the
parking structure by the library and I had to call for assistance.
It really is irrita?ng that SLO allowed so many parking lots to be paved over for new business and didn’t charge those
businesses he?y fees for the parking structure. I also think the City and the County should be focusing more on
convenient, affordable public transit op?ons to reduce the number of car trips and need for parking en?rely. I grew up in
San Francisco and my family never considered driving downtown. We always took public transit because it was so easy.
Holly Sletteland
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