The City of San Luis Obispo Planning Commission unanimously approved a proposal on Wednesday to establish new overnight parking spaces for individuals living in their vehicles.
The Rotating Overnight Safe Parking Pilot Program aims to provide safe, reserved parking for homeless individuals at one of six proposed sites at faith-based organizations and city-owned properties that rotate monthly, according to the pilot program report. The program was proposed by the Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo (CAPSLO).
“I see this as an improvement to the existing situation,” Planning Commission Vice Chair David Houghton said before the vote. “We want everyone to be in a safe place.”
The sixth site, Congregation Beth David, was proposed with the program but does not require city permit approval as it is outside of city limits. The other five, inside city limits, required approval.
Each site will offer up to 12 parking spots operating daily from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Individuals interested in retaining a spot must first be registered with the 40 Prado Homeless Services Center for at least 30 days and receive a referral for a spot in the pilot program, according to Daisy Wiberg, City of San Luis Obispo homelessness response manager.
The program does not have a set start date as funding is yet to be secured, City of San Luis Obispo Housing Coordinator David Amini said during the presentation. CAPSLO will secure the program’s funding.
This program’s model can then be replicated on a larger scale to address regional safe parking needs, the report stated. It also intends to assist participants in transitioning to permanent housing options.
The commissioners approved the pilot program after hearing a presentation from CAPSLO Director of Homeless Services Jack Lahey and receiving public comments. All commissioners were present except for Eric Tolle.
Community responses to the proposal were mainly positive.
“I believe the sites chosen are quite good,” community member Ilene Brill said. “I urge [the commission] to approve this much-needed program. It’s an essential piece to curbing homelessness in our community.”
However, some residents raised concerns about the proximity of the sites to residential areas.
“I recognize [the program’s] value and importance for our community,” said Tayler Simpson, a resident near one of the proposed sites. “However, I do not support placing safe parking locations in residential neighborhoods.”
