The Daly City Small Business Commission convened on November 14, 2024, to address various concerns impacting local businesses, with a significant focus on traffic safety issues at the Westlake Shopping Center.

The meeting began with a presentation from a restaurant manager representing a local business. The manager highlighted ongoing safety concerns related to traffic and parking on Lake Merced Boulevard. They noted that during the pandemic, parking limit signs were removed and never reinstated, leading to increased double parking and traffic congestion in front of their establishment and neighboring businesses.

The manager explained that while temporary measures, such as special signage for delivery drivers, had been implemented to alleviate some of the issues, double parking has resurfaced in recent months. They reported that the Daly City Police Department has issued fines to violators, but further assistance from city engineering has not been forthcoming despite previous requests.

The manager urged the commission to consider reinstating a uniform 20-minute parking limit across the entire block to facilitate better access for patrons, particularly those with disabilities, and to reduce the risk of accidents caused by double parking. The commission acknowledged the importance of addressing these safety concerns, especially given the proximity of residential buildings that contribute to parking demand.

Following this discussion, the meeting continued with additional agenda items, including updates from other local business representatives. The commission emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue between city officials and local businesses to ensure that safety and accessibility issues are effectively addressed.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further evaluate the proposed parking changes and to explore additional solutions to enhance traffic safety in the area. The commission plans to follow up on these discussions in future meetings, aiming to foster a safer environment for both businesses and patrons in Daly City.