AB2097: Kiss Goodbye to your Car. The bus is waiting.

May 30

The Real Cost of Laura Friedman's Environmental Extremism

AB2097, pushed by Laura Friedman, seeks to eliminate minimum parking requirements for new developments near public transit. This bill exemplifies her aggressive environmental policies that often disregard practical realities and community needs.

The Friedman Effect

Forced Public Transit Use

Parking Shortages: By eliminating parking minimums, Friedman is forcing residents out of their cars and into a public transit system that is often unreliable and inadequate.
Quality of Life: Lack of parking drastically impacts daily life, particularly for families, the elderly, and those with disabilities who rely on personal vehicles.

Economic Burden

Higher Living Costs: Reduced parking will drive up costs for remaining spaces, adding financial strain to residents already burdened by California’s high cost of living.
Business Harm: Local businesses could lose customers who find it too difficult to park, harming the local economy.

Public Transit Limitations

Insufficient Infrastructure: Public transit in many areas cannot handle increased ridership, leading to overcrowding and inefficiencies that make daily commutes even more challenging.

Environmental Extremism at Its Worst

Unrealistic and Burdensome Policies

Ignoring Real Needs: Friedman's one-size-fits-all approach fails to consider the diverse needs of California’s residents. Many people cannot simply switch to public transit.
Increased Financial Strain: Her policies often lead to higher costs and burdens on households, exacerbating affordability issues.

Alternative Solutions

Balanced Development Requirements

Moderate Parking Reductions: Rather than eliminating parking, a balanced approach could reduce requirements while still providing necessary spaces.
Public Transit Improvements: Before making drastic changes, significant investments in public transit infrastructure are essential.

Community Engagement

Local Input: Developing policies with input from local communities ensures they meet specific needs and are more effective.

Conclusion

AB2097 is another example of Laura Friedman’s relentless environmental extremism, making life more expensive and difficult for residents. Her push to eliminate parking minimums without considering the real-world implications highlights a disconnect with the practical needs of her constituents. This bill underscores the need for more balanced and considerate legislative approaches.

For more detailed information on AB2097, you can read the full text of the bill here.

Laura Friedman’s opponent, Alex Balekian, MD, is vehemently opposed to these forced environmental policies intended to push us toward mass transit use in a city built for cars. You can hear his position here.

James David Clarke