SM Democrats to Discuss Parking & Traffic Concerns

Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 1343 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica,CA
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The Santa Monica Democratic Club will present an interactive panel discussion on parking and traffic concerns in Santa Monica, particularly related to future residential and commercial development.

Ranked highest in community concerns, these quality of life issues have many facets. While some solutions sound simple, the complexites will be discussed and debated by former and current Planning Commissioners: Jennifer Kennedy, Richard McKinnon and Jay Johnson and neighborhood activist Mary Marlow.

Audience participation is encouraged. As people on bikes I believe we are at the very least part of the solutions to many of the congestion problems. BUT we must stop development that only prioritizes single occupancy vehicles if we expect it to work. As we envision our future and alternate modes for daily trips (walking, biking, public transit) we must support development that will accommodate these users. We cannot continue to prioritize and subsidize car parking if we expect modes to shift.  There is a lot of misinformation circulating on how this can be accomplished.

Free. Refreshments. Free “car” Parking.
(no word on bike parking)

2 thoughts on “SM Democrats to Discuss Parking & Traffic Concerns

  1. Cynthia Rose Post author

    Article in SMDP on meeting last night hosted by SM Democrats on Parking and Traffic. http://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-dems-question-parking-policy/120417
    There is no doubt that congestion and parking are a problem in Santa Monica – and that some neighborhoods have some VERY legitimate problems. However to quote Albert Einstein “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them” We must start thinking on prioritizing people – not their machines. Free parking is not a birth right and those who do not drive, by choice or necessity should not have to subside those who do.
    I hear Juan Matute also did a write I’d love to read – hopefully we can find that link and post it.

    Reply

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