Letter to the Editor : marinij – excerpt

I am writing in regard to the recently published article about San Rafael’s downtown business planning (“City approves plan for economic development,” May 23). The elimination of parking meters should be on the list of steps to take.

Parking meters are a 1960s solution to bolster city revenues. The idea that people have to pay to park on city streets is out of date. No one has spare change and trying to navigate dozens of different card-enabled solutions in different locales is frustrating. In addition, the small amount of money collected is likely offset by the cost to enforce the meters and maintain the hardware.

Paying for the privilege to come downtown and see a movie, shop or have a meal puts the city core at a disadvantage compared to businesses outside of that area. Downtown San Rafael is a ghost town and bordering on blight. Getting rid of the meters is a step in the right direction for economic development.

Paid garages can stay as a paid service. Bonds were likely raised to build them and at least they offer some protection from the elements. But let’s keep the idea of the 1960s cars for our wonderful “classic car” shows, not paying to park.

— Edward Zimmerman, San Rafael