La Mesa City Council members voted unanimously Tuesday night to ask city staff to analyze several options for expanding parking in the downtown village, according to East County Magazine.

The ideas include reducing red curb on Allison Avenue, converting an unused loading zone on Palm Avenue, moving decorative bike racks to make room for golf cart parking, removing trees behind Pete's Place to create several spaces and painting parking markers on downtown streets. Councilmember Laura Lothian said the package could add between 15 and 100 spaces at minimal cost, East County Magazine reported.

The proposal comes as downtown La Mesa continues to draw more visitors and new apartments add pressure to an already tight parking area. Vice Mayor Lauren Cazares supported temporary fixes while also pointing to longer-term goals for a more walkable, bike-friendly and transit-connected downtown.

For Santee and East County residents who regularly visit La Mesa for restaurants, events and shopping, the discussion is a reminder that parking and access remain central issues for older downtown districts. Staff is expected to return with recommendations within 60 days.

Source: East County Magazine — https://eastcountymagazine.org/la-mesa-council-asks-staff-to-weigh-options-to-expand-parking-in-downtown-village/