From Councilman Bill Rosendahl:
I am very disappointed that the California Coastal Commission rejected a settlement proposal that would have given residents of Venice the same ability to regulate street parking as every other community on the California coast. The proposal would have simultaneously given residents local control and increased visitor access to the beach.
Despite this setback, I am determined to use every tool at my disposal to help Venice residents regulate parking in front of their homes.
On Wednesday, the council’s Transportation Committee, which I chair, approved a stronger, tougher ordinance restricting parking by over-sized vehicles. I will ask the full City Council to adopt this ordinance. Over-sized vehicle restrictions can be adopted on a block-by-block basis, and can be implemented without seeking the approval of the Coastal Commission.
My staff and I are also moving forward aggressively with a Safe Parking program that will help move RVs and over-sized vehicles from residential streets while providing those living in their vehicles with much-needed social services and a path to housing.
While this is clearly a contentious issue, we all must resist anger and divisiveness. Solving this problem, and striking the right balance with a carrot and stick approach, will be difficult and will require patience and good will. Working together, I am confident we can accomplish that.
