Turning the E Street Parking Lot into a high-rise development will eliminate over 118 downtown parking spaces that are vitally necessary to support both downtown businesses and the many civic events that keep Benicia the quaint, family-friendly community it is today.  Farmer's Market parking alone occupies over 90% of the available parking spaces weekly (2020 City Parking Study).  Parking alternatives proposed by the City are implementing diagonal back-in parking spaces and turning First Street into a one-way street.

For the viability of downtown businesses and the many civic events Benicia is known for, we need to make downtown as approachable as possible, and parking is the number one issue.  Our community has many needs, low-income senior housing among them, but  downtown parking has to be downtown.  Creating a 4 or 5 story development on the E Street Lot that will provide less than 10% of the low income housing Benicia needs, is not the best use of this lot.  

Many communities have created wonderful, mixed-use parking/park/sport court/exercise developments that support the entire community.  Great examples exist all over the Bay Area. 

Please join this petition to let the City Council know that you recognize the value of building community through civic events and that you want a vibrant downtown where you can park safely and conveniently.  Ask them to  keep the E Street Parking Lot and make it an asset for the entire community.