Sacramento Business Owners Voice Concerns at Town Hall
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — During a recent town hall hosted by Mayor Kevin McCarty, Sacramento business owners expressed their frustrations regarding parking costs, public safety, and homelessness, all of which are impacting their businesses.
Jill Osur, the CEO of Teneral Cellars in Lavender Heights, attended to seek solutions, highlighting parking costs as a significant issue. “We are all suffering because of the new parking meters. Something needs to be done,” she said.
Mayor McCarty explained that the extension of parking enforcement hours and the addition of more meters were budget-driven decisions. “I don’t think we’re going to reverse in the near future,” he noted.
The owner of Midtown’s The Popcorn Store shared similar concerns, mentioning that customers often avoid downtown Sacramento due to parking challenges and the presence of homelessness. She suggested adding a sales tax to help alleviate costs, but the mayor expressed skepticism about the community’s willingness to support tax increases.
Crime was another hot topic, with Todd Yeck, co-owner of Joneck’s Wine Bar, discussing recent break-ins and the need for better security. He emphasized the importance of long-term plans for improving safety, addressing homelessness, and enhancing street lighting.
In response to questions about support for small businesses, Osur bluntly stated, “No, no, I think it’s a simple answer.” Although no concrete solutions were provided, McCarty affirmed that the town hall served as a platform for community concerns to be voiced and heard.
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