Public Comment for June 9, 2026: Supporting A Library Parking Lot Public Awareness Campaign

To the City Councilmembers and Mayor Beaty,

I am writing to you today to express both a concern about our district, and voice support for a possible solution.

I recently saw a sign at the library parking lot (at 3rd and Washington) regarding a proposal that would convert it into a formal Public Parking Lot, located at 3rd and Washington in Old Town Beaverton. I wasn’t able to attend the June 1 meeting, and would appreciate an update on the meeting, or minutes if they are available.

Separately, a heart-felt video posted online by Deadstock Coffee announcing their pending closure due to lack of business, hit me at my core. It’s a sentiment we have heard from many of our neighbors, and one we ourselves worry about. Since December 2023, we have documented 20 known businesses closures in our Old Town district. The video by Deadstock put it best: The community of Beaverton encouraged them to open a new location, but simply did not show up enough to support its continued existence.

There are many reasons why a business succeeds or fails, but there is also a long-standing impression I have heard from our own regulars, customers of other businesses, and even City of Beaverton officials with a common theme: Old Town lacks adequate parking.

This takes me back to the posting at the library lot. Old Town is a pedestrian- and family-friendly community. Despite our concerns about availability of parking for those who live and work in the district, building a multi-story parking structure, or adding additional floors to the existing library lot, is not something we feel is warranted.

Regardless of pending changes to the library lot, I wish to ask about a public awareness campaign, sponsored by the City of Beaverton and Beaverton Downtown Association, and co-signed with the support of numerous small businesses in our district, as a cost-effective means to help visitors understand the library lot is more than just for Farmer’s Market. Many of our customers aren’t aware the library lot is available to the public outside of Saturday mornings. 

With appropriate signage, mailers sent out to local residents, and social media campaigns, I feel a lot could be accomplished in an affordable manner to help Westside drivers to learn that more than 150 parking spaces are available much of the time and within three blocks of many Old Town businesses and restaurants. If every business in our district told every one of our respective customers about the lot, I think you would see the lot get far more use than at present.

We love working in Old Town and wish to be here for many years to come. Helping turn around a public impression that “there is no parking in Old Town” is something that will help every business in the district, at a time when every customer is needed.

I appreciate your time and attention to this comment.

– David Anderson
Co-Owner, Syndicate Wine Bar