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The Arts District in Los Angeles faces a threat to its unique cultural heritage due to the introduction of the Downtown Arts District Parking Pilot Program, which significantly impacts artists, residents, business owners, students, and employees. Ultimately, the new pilot parking program damages our collective community spirit.
We propose a S.M.A.R.T.E.R. way to bring the establishment of a uniquely crafted Hybrid Preferential Parking District (PPD) to reflect the cultural heritage of The Arts District community. This plan also includes the introduction of an Arts District food truck parking permit to help manage neighborhood disturbances. To obtain a preferential annual or overnight annual permit, applicants must provide current vehicle registration and two proofs of residency at a Public Service Center/ internet processing center. Subleases would be accepted. The proposal also involves offering guest permits and a method for businesses to provide street-level validation and employee permits. The permits would be initially offered to residential/ Live-work buildings with limited parking options for the benefit of tenants. Each rate increase should be subject to a public vote. Additionally, there is a call for stronger regulation of valet companies operating in the Arts District Community. The plan also emphasizes identifying, documenting, and confirming "off-site" and leased parking dedicated to each project's use.
Information about the Downtown Arts District Parking Pilot Program:
https://laxp.org/
Our reasons for opposing the Downtown Arts District Parking Pilot Program:
Burden: The Downtown Arts District Parking Pilot Program unnecessarily burdens artists, residents, and local businesses.
Change of Value Of Rental Units: It should be noted that ordinary people deal with the lack of affordable housing by finding people to share the cost. This creates a situation where many tenants depend on street parking. With a change to paid metered street parking in addition to 2-hour time limits, this pilot program will lead to tenant displacement. We request rules that will be applied uniformly and fairly to everyone, no matter their economic status. Tenants have reported a significant increase in the cost of living due to parking expenses. They have been quoted between $350 to $400 monthly for parking at private garages, resulting in a yearly increase of $4,200 to
$5,000.
Negative Impact on Local Businesses: Paid street parking can deter customers from frequenting local businesses, leading to a potential loss of revenue, increased operational costs, and impact on the vitality of our community. Businesses currently face employer-sponsored parking quotes ranging from $2000 to $4800 per month, equivalent to $24,000 to $57,600 annually.
Inequity and Social Impact: This policy can be inequitable, disproportionately affecting those with lower incomes and creating social barriers within our community.
Community Well-being: Many women have expressed feeling unsafe when walking blocks at night instead of being able to park in front of their residential buildings. Paid street parking can diminish the quality of life in our neighborhood, making it less accessible and less welcoming for residents and visitors alike.
Valet: Lack of enforcement of valet companies' capitalization of street parking.
Zoning/planning: Parking said to be “off-site” and leased should be identified, documented, and confirmed to be dedicated to each project’s use. This will help ensure that residential and employee parking spaces are not eliminated to prioritize further financial gains.
Records: The information was obtained through the California Public Records Act (CPRA). It will be continually updated and includes a limited number of businesses' letters of support for paid parking. The records can be accessed at
http://cprarequests.artsdistrictparking.org/
By signing this petition, you are giving Friends of the Arts District, a loosely organized effort by a large group of people to achieve particular goals, permission to share your information with its newsletter to update you on ongoing developments in this issue and legal firms that may have vested interest in further action as afforded to us by law.
