Marina del Rey: A Simple Plan for Renewal

Re: “Proposed High-Rises Assailed,” May 4.

Years ago, parking at Fisherman’s Village was free. Every minute of good weather, summer or winter, there was a crowd. The County Board of Supervisors saw the parking lot as an untapped source of revenue. They put in pay parking. It was assumed that validation for two hours of free parking would be sufficient to keep the paying customers coming and get rid of those not spending money. That assumption was wrong. Almost everybody stopped coming.

Some visionaries think massive new construction will revitalize Marina del Rey. How about first trying some really simple things? County, get rid of the pay parking and advertise the fact. Local folks may give the area another chance. Leaseholders, charge a portion of profits instead of an exorbitant dollar amount. Existing merchants may stay in business. Merchants, price things so they are competitive with non-tourist areas. Locals may once again become your customers.

ELIZABETH WRIGHT

Marina del Rey