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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/7/2023 Item 6a, Mesler Peggy <info@photoshopslo.com> Sent:Tuesday, To:E-mail Council Website Subject:Downtown Parking needs to change for a Vibrant Downtown and Expanding San Luis Obispo This message is from an External Source. Use caution when deciding to open attachments, click links, or respond. November 7, 2023 Councilmembers, I own a small business 1027 B Marsh Street, The Photo Shop. Lack of parking, bike lanes and increased parking fees have negatively affected my business AND my customers lives. It is on a daily basis that I hear that they do not want to come downtown anymore. Many drivers don’t feel safe, and are resentful of the Cities changes. Rules and fines are strictly enforced for cars, not at all for bikes. Two parking spots were eliminated in front of my store for the new bike lanes. The 15 minute spot was also eliminated. Bike lane barrier was dangerously placed. It is 5 inches high on one side and 8 inches high the other side. I have witnessed and assisted two customers that have fallen into the bike lane right in front of the store. The pay station has been placed 4 parking spots up from the Shop, behind a tree. It is not clearly visible to most people. Many customers walk across two lanes of traffic to use a different pay station. Elimination of the third lane of traffic up Marsh Street has resulted in a 4 and 5 block traffic jam most days. It is unsafe for fire, ambulance, police and the public. Citizens complain constantly, and ask me what is going on. San Luis Obispo is building a parking structure in the wrong location to help Downtown parking. San Luis managers and Council members are trying to discourage cars downtown, San Luis managers and Council members are discouraging downtown business at the same time. I strongly feel that a free hour in a full parking structure is not enough. Solutions to consider Lower the rates to $2.00/hour Operate the pay station from 10:00 at 6:00 Remove the concrete bike lanes 1 Use the planters as a barrier for the bike lanes and take out the concrete layer that they sit on. Please add in some green, short term parking spots. A vibrant downtown would benefit us all. Thank you for listening, Peggy Peggy Mesler The Photo Shop 1027 B Marsh Street San Luis Obispo Ca 93401 2