La Mesa’s downtown village has a parking availability problem, and officials are taking small steps to create more spaces for residents and visitors.
The La Mesa City Council last week approved a collection of proposed parking modifications for the city’s downtown village area, a move officials said will provide “immediate parking relief.”
“We don’t have the money for a new parking structure but we recognize the need to make parking where we can,” Councilmember Laura Lothian said.
The East County city’s village area has become a popular destination countywide, known for its walkability and locally owned businesses and restaurants.
At the same time, affordability and housing supply needs have landed an increasing number of apartment complexes in the area, many of which do not supply parking for every resident due to their proximity to transit options.
Lacking the funding for a long-term fix, such as a parking structure, Lothian and Vice Mayor Lauren Cazares went on the hunt for potential parking spots that were “hiding in plain sight.”
In May, the duo laid out a series of recommendations, which city staff analyzed before making a recommendation to the council.
City leaders approved proposals that will add an additional metered parking spot on Allison Avenue west of Coin Haus, convert the loading zone in front of Turpin and Rattan to add two metered spots and relocate five city bike racks on La Mesa Boulevard to create dedicated golf cart parking.
The recommendation also authorized staff to begin the work needed so new designated street parking can be added in neighborhoods surrounding the downtown area, a move officials believe will create more parking and increase turnover.
Under current city rules, residents must petition for new spots and at least 66% of affected households must approve installation before designated parking spaces are added. The council authorized city staff to engage with residents in the downtown area — within the boundaries of Allison Avenue, Spring Street, 4th Street and Fresno Avenue — to begin the petition process.
Mayor Mark Arapostathis abstained from voting on the recommendation, jokingly saying he lives in the area and drives a golf cart and couldn’t vote because it would “definitely benefit” him.
“I think people are going to be surprised at how popular this ends up becoming and I think we’re gonna find other cities doing it,” Lothian said. “It is a modest step now but I think ultimately, it’s gonna be a lot bigger.”