HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/14/2024 Item 4a, Robinow
Steven Robinow <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:May 14 Special Meeting Agenda
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City Council
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.
Council Chambers, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Concerning downtown parking rates: I would like to see the city focus on providing a vibrant environment that
results in the occupancy of all vacant store fronts. How long has Charles Shoes been vacant? Just one
example of MANY.
I see parking rates as CRITICAL to bringing locals back downtown to shop thereby providing the financial
resources needed to keep ALL downtown shops open and financially healthy.
Look at the competition: free parking at Madonna shopping, free parking at the Marigold Center, free parking
over by California Fresh, free parking at Bonetti Ranch……
So what is the draw for locals to go downtown?????????
And what about the workers? How can they afford to park and work downtown.
I suggest the City reconsider extremely low parking rates - 75 cents per hour OR LESS. Let this be a loss
leader to bring EVERYONE back to downtown. Sales increase, storefronts are full, downtown is vibrant - and
VISITORS will love it.
Imagine what it is like now to see downtown with SO many vacant spaces. How depressing is that ??????
We need a full occupancy downtown! Free or nearly free parking will help achieve that. High rates only
encourage locals to never go downtown.
Play the long game. Find another way to subsidize parking - minor increase in hotel taxes? Minor increase in
some other tax?
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Steven Robinow
2468 Ladera Court
SLO CA 93401
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