Shorewood Parking Concerns — Resident Feedback Summary

📣 Shorewood Parking Concerns — Resident Feedback Summary

At the December 10th meeting on the future of the North Oakland public parking lot, residents and business owners spoke clearly about how essential this space is to daily life in the neighborhood. Here’s a summary of what we heard:

🏙️ The lot is a crucial neighborhood asset.
Speakers highlighted that the public parking lot supports residents, workers, and local businesses in an already high-demand area. Removing it would place significant strain on the surrounding neighborhood.

🚗 Residents—especially those with mobility challenges—depend on the lot.
Residents explained that on-street parking often requires circling the block multiple times or walking long distances. For those with mobility limitations, this isn’t just inconvenient—it’s a barrier to living independently and safely. One resident described receiving multiple tickets before gaining access to the lot, and another recounted having her car stolen while parked on the street. Several emphasized that without the lot, they could not manage the blocks-long search for parking or the long walk from distant spaces.

🏘️ Concerns about affordability and livability.
One resident noted that the proposed development’s rent would be higher than what she currently pays, raising concerns about whether the project would offer meaningful affordability.

💼 Businesses fear losing customers and worker safety.
Business owners across from the lot shared that their clients and employees rely heavily on nearby parking. They worry customers will choose other locations if parking becomes too difficult, and that employees walking several blocks late at night may face safety risks. Some said they may need to relocate if the lot disappears.

💰 Impact on property values and taxes.
One condo owner expressed concern that reduced parking could make his building less attractive, potentially lowering property values. Rising property taxes were also raised as a broader concern.

🗣️ Overall message:
Most speakers urged the Village not to sell the lot, saying the neighborhood needs more accessible, reliable parking—especially for residents who cannot navigate long walks—not less.