Santa Cruz considers new parking plan amid concerns over RV camps
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION) The City of Santa Cruz is reviewing a new parking plan on Olive Street between Toledo and Mission Streets.
City officials are considering putting restrictions on the size of car that can park along Olive Street.
The lot has become home to several RVs that park overnight. Those that reside inside the RVs fear the restrictions could run them out of the area completely.
"We need housing. I get why the housed people don't want to see us out here. As soon as we can get the county or city to get more affordable housing they are going to continue to see us out here," said Angel, an RV owner on Olive Street.
Some want to see the city move forward with the new parking plan. An online petition has nearly 500 signatures in support of stricter parking regulations. Those that signed the petition said overnight RV camping has brought trash, noise and drug use to neighborhoods.
RV owners argue that changes to the Olive Street lot will only push them to another part of the city.
The city's parking and transportation commission is to review possible changes to the Olive Street lot on August 17. If approved, the plan will be voted on by the city council.
