HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/14/2023 Item 6b, Green
Sheridan R. Green <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Public Comment for Item 6B
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Dear Members of the San Luis Obispo City Council,
I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Sheridan Green, and I am a second-year City and Regional
Planning student, as well as the Vice President of Cal Poly Urbanists.
I am writing to express my reservations concerning Item 6B on the agenda for today's city council
meeting. Specifically, my concern lies with the proposal to purchase land on Higuera for the
construction of additional parking facilities. I firmly believe that such a decision would foster increased
car dependency and exacerbate the existing gap in essential support for housing, public transportation,
and active transportation in San Luis Obispo.
Allocating $4.7 million towards the creation of more public parking would be a misallocation of
resources. In my experience, downtown SLO currently offers sufficient parking, even during high-traffic
events such as the farmers market and Vellum. While I acknowledge the city's goals to expand parking, I
propose that a more effective solution lies in enhancing public transit. Currently, many individuals feel
compelled to drive due to the limited availability and schedule of bus services. Expanding the bus system
would not only provide greater mobility but also safer options for transportation at night, particularly for
students.
Should the decision to acquire the Higuera land persist, I strongly urge you to consider utilizing it for the
development of affordable housing and commercial spaces. Such a mixed-use approach not only
addresses the housing needs of SLO residents and students but also contributes to the city's economic
growth. The income from sales tax in the commercial spaces would help SLO drastically more than
parking would. The diversification of urban spaces with housing and commerce is a more adaptable
solution for the future, providing flexibility without incurring the significant costs associated with
modifying parking infrastructure.
I appreciate your attention to these concerns and trust that the City Council will carefully weigh the long-
term implications of the proposed land purchase. Thank you for your time and dedication to the well-
being of San Luis Obispo.
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Sincerely,
Sheridan Green
Vice President, Cal Poly Urbanists
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