June 13, 2022
To City of Emeryville Mayor, Vice Mayor and City Council Members, The Commission on Aging is writing to support the City's Paid Parking Program. We believe it is an effective program and strategy when stringently enforced to encourage the use of transit, carpools, bicycles, and walking. RESOLUTION NO. 19- 20, "Adopting A Framework for Paid Parking in the North Hollis and Triangle Areas," is an important policy towards achieving this goal. We believe enforcement of the green curb policy supports the city's paid parking program.
The population of older adults in Emeryville is increasing. The Commission on Aging supports increasing pedestrian mobility and providing a variety of safe, reliable, accessible, and affordable transportation options that allows residents to be connected to all areas and services in the community. Many older adults do not own cars. We want people of all ages and in particular, older adults to have the ability to move safely and comfortably around the city without a car.
As cities develop, populations increase, and parking regulations evolve, the benefits of a paid parking system over a free parking system become important to reestablish a balance that does not prioritizes cars over other forms of transportation and movement through the City.
As the City grows and ages, the Paid Parking Program can provide data to help the city make informed decisions about how to improve the flow of cars, people, and other modes of transportation.
The Commission on Aging
Baruch Golden, Chair and John Sutter, Vice Chair