Yesterday morning at the Budget & Finance Committee meeting councilmen Todd Gloria, Kevin Faulconer and Tony Young voted in favor of Mayor Sanders’ Parking Meter Utilization Plan which will allow the mayor’s office to increase parking prices in the city’s “hot spots.” Councilmember Todd Gloria made a motion, seconded by chair Tony Young to move the Mayor’s Plan on to the full council for consideration. Councilmember Kevin Faulconer sited the downtown pilot program as successful because the downtown neighborhood was involved in the program. The councilmember cast a favorable vote after expressing that he believes neighbors should have a say in their community.
Councilman Carl DeMaio said, “I agree with Ms Emerald. This is nothing more than a money grab” by the city. Adding “raising parking rates and adding staff doesn’t set well with the public.” What do you think? Carl DeMaio will be speaking at next Tuesday’s Hillcrest Town Council meeting at the Joyce Beers Community Center. Councilmember Todd Gloria will be addressing the November’s monthly meeting. All Hillcrest residents are encouraged to attend and voice your opinion.
Hillcrest Business Association Executive Director Ben Nicholls (above) suggested that council look at putting parking meters in other appropriate neighborhoods and bring an equitable parking policy across the city rather than “squeeze more money” out of our neighborhoods. Nicholls speaking against the mayor’s plan asked for Uptown to be removed from this policy.
Hillcrest Town Council, Save Hillcrest, the Hillcrest History Guild, the Hillcrest Business Association and Uptown Planners have all gone on record to have Uptown removed from the proposal. Councilmembers Carl DeMaio and Marti Emerald agreed and voted against moving the plan on to the full council for a vote. (This should be on the council docket in a couple of weeks.)
Don’t neighborhoods like Ocean Beach, La Jolla and North Park need meters before the parking districts (like Downtown, Hillcrest and Little Italy) have to pay more? All San Diego communities need to share in helping to reduce the city’s deficit.
