TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to implement an over-night parking program, by permit only, at Cesar Chavez Park; and request City Attorney to amend the Long Beach Municipal Code as needed.
DISCUSSION
Background:
The neighborhood surrounding Cesar Chavez Park is a highly impacted parking area, presenting a constant source of difficulty for residents and visitors. Meanwhile the parking lot at nearby Cesar Chavez Park sits empty at night. The Municipal Code specifically prohibits overnight parking in parks in order to ensure these lots are occupied only by people using park facilities appropriately.
Currently, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine is authorized to sell over-night parking permits at the 4th Street Senior Center and several beach parking lots. This program has been very successful and without incident.
Some minor amendments to the Municipal Code section 16.16.010 to allow an over-night parking program, by permit only, within Cesar Chavez Park, would assist residents and improve the quality of life in the Cesar Chavez neighborhood. The program could be patterned after that at the Senior Center and permits would be limited to noncommercial, two-axle vehicles under a certain height, and as long as a majority of residents do not object in writing.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
ROBERT GARCIA
COUNCILMEMBER, FIRST DISTRICT