Statement in favor of prohibiting the parking of trailers and RV's on streets

This is the argument that will appear in the County Ballot for the Nov 7, 2006 Special Election. There was no argument filed in opposition to either the RV or Trailer Measure. This was filed with the city on Aug 17, 2006:

The proposed trailer parking measure on the ballot reads: “Shall Ordinance No. 2006-5, which would prohibit the parking of trailers and semi-trailers on streets in the City, except while in the process of being loaded or unloaded or by City permit, be approved?”

The proposed RV parking measure on the ballot reads: “Shall Ordinance No. 2006-6, which would prohibit the parking of motorized recreational vehicles on streets in the City, except while in the process of being loaded or unloaded or by City permit, be approved?”

As Lakewood Homeowners and RV owners, we understand that it’s time to end LONG TERM storage of boats & trailers on our neighborhood STREETS. We believe that boats & trailers should be legally parked on our properties or in storage. This street parking issue has long pitted neighbor against neighbor reducing the neighborhood quality of life and creating many problems including:

A) FINANCIAL BURDEN to the City of Lakewood with hundreds of complaints each year

B) SAFETY RISKS to our CHILDREN due to poor visibility near driveways and intersections

C) TRAFFIC HAZARDS caused by choking already narrow streets

D) UNCLEAN STREETS due to the inability of street-sweepers to clean under parked boats & trailers

E) DECLINING PROPERTY VALUES when prospective buyers are scared off by large rigs stored nearby that are often poorly maintained with tattered covers and/or on blocks.

The Good Sam Club, one of the largest RV clubs, expressly discourages the long term parking of boats & trailers on neighborhood streets stating it will cause community resentment of RV’s and result in severe parking restrictions. We agree. The City of Lakewood has developed a system (similar to many surrounding cities) by which boat & trailer owners will be able to park on city streets with up to 16 three-day parking permits each year. Longer permits will be available for special needs. These permits can be obtained over the phone or Internet for FREE. Also, no permits will be required for rigs that are in the process of being loaded or unloaded. These provisions are more than fair. In the interest of preserving our rights to enjoy our boats & trailers, while addressing community concerns about the small percentage of discourteous RV owners, we encourage you to vote YES on Measures C and F.

Brandon Yung

Lakewood Homeowner

Lakewood RV owner

Lakewood Business owner