HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-01-2012 B1 FoleyGoodwin, Heather
Subject:
FW: Overnight Parking in San Luis Obispo
STING AGENDA
From: Johnson, Derek = y' ATE 1 1 Z Sf EM # 13d
Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2012 4:05 PM
To: Schroeder, Sheryll; Goodwin, Heather
Cc: Codron, Michael
Subject: FW: Overnight Parking in San Luis Obispo
fyl
From: Amy Foley jmailto:yelofyma yahoo.coml
Y 01 2012
balrd ca
email:
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o CITY MGR
o FITDIR
a ASST CM
O FIRE CHIEF
o ATTORNEY
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o CLERKIORIG
D POLICE CHIEF
D PIB
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• TRIBUNE
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Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2012 4:02 PM
To: Johnson, Derek; Gesell, Steve; Lichtig, Katie; Ashbaugh, John; Carpenter, Dan; Smith, Kathy; Carter, Andrew; Marx,
Jan
Subject: Overnight Parking in San Luis Obispo
May 1, 2012
Dear Sirs and Madams,
I am writing you this letter to communicate the impact the urban camping population has had on our
business and the surrounding area.
In the past 18 months we have experienced negative effects of the growing population of individuals
residing in their campers in our business area. I understand that there are various situations resulting in
homelessness and fully support assisting those who are willing to participate in structured programs designed to
facilitate permanent housing solutions. On a regular basis, members of our staff contribute financially, with
volunteer hours, and food donations to support the homeless shelter, the food bank and other organizations
designed to help those less fortunate get back on their feet.
The actions of several of the campers are: costing us money, decreasing our customer traffic, making our
employees uncomfortable, creating potential sources of pest harborage, and compromising our food safety. We
have had trash dumped, multiple occurrences of defecation on our property, theft of water, and trespassers
removing food items from our trash compactor putting them in eminent danger.
One Monday when I arrived for work I noticed the fire riser had been tampered with and was leaking
water. Someone had been using the bleed off valve to steal water. In doing this they broke the shut -off valve
causing water to pour out and be wasted. An unsuccessful attempt was make to repair this with a bicycle tube, a
torn up t -shirt and duct tape. Repairing this correctly was costly and the damage compromised the safety of our
building until it was repaired. Unfortunately these stories are becoming the norm in our business neighborhood
as we see more and more people permanently residing in their vehicles on our streets.
In an attempt to make our business safer, reduce the theft, and discourage illegal behaviors, we have
done the following items:
- Locked out all of our water spigots
- Locked out all or our back -flow bleed -off valves
Installed extensivc exterior lighting
Installed surveillance cameras
Installed locking devices on all doors requiring a code for entry
- Fenced in our entire property
We are asking that you consider the impact these illegal activities are having on our local businesses.
We would like to see the parking ordinance revisited and prohibit overnight parking and living in vehicles
within 500 feet of any business except for legitimate business purposes.
Another option, would be to allow a certain number of campers to park overnight in the city provided
they are currently participating in a program requiring regular visits, meaningful progress towards permanent
housing, clean and sober living and must display a permit indicating their participation.
Although the police have been very responsive to our complaints, this is not enough. Please work with
the San Luis Obispo Police department to amend the current parking rules and support them in eliminating
illegal overnight parking in our city.
Thank you for your consideration of this important issue impacting the businesses in our city.
Sincerely,
Amy Foley