Trader Joe’s parking can be vexing to some
SUNSET PARK In the packed parking lot of Trader Joe’s, Cybil Knight unloads her groceries into the trunk of her sedan while drivers circle around her like sharks waiting to strike.
Their prey? Knight’s parking spot.
“It can get pretty crazy in here sometimes,” the Brentwood resident said, as she pointed to a long line of cars waiting to pull into the health-conscious grocery store’s parking lot. “I’ve basically just accepted the fact that I may have to wait 10 to 15 minutes to park. That’s why I try to go later on at night when it’s not as busy.”
It seems that no matter what time of day it is, it’s always congested, another product of the city’s limited supply of parking and an abundance of people who still use their autos to get around town. Despite efforts by City Hall to encourage walking and other forms of transportation, the increase in parking restrictions on city streets, coupled with an influx of visitors to popular sites like the Third Street Promenade and Montana Avenue has only added to the parking woes.
Trader Joe’s, at 3212 Pico Blvd., seems to be situated in the eye of a perfect parking storm — located on a crowded corridor near a freeway offramp. Several businesses, including a pharmacy, clothing boutique and costume store also share limited parking with the popular grocery chain.
“Parking is outrageous all over the city,” said Lloyd Silverberg.“It’s just not adequate. Sooner or later, people are just going to stop shopping here. There are other stores around that have similar things.”
While many customers complained about the congestion, most had good things to say about Trader Joe’s and its employees, who have made attempts to keep cars moving, such as making traffic flow one way and placing employees in the lot to help load groceries and guide drivers to empty spaces. The eclectic grocery store has also worked out a deal for its employees to use parking spaces at a nearby hotel to free up spots for customers.
“There is a problem with parking, but the employees have been outstanding,” said Gayle Stafsky, a resident of Palms, who teaches at Santa Monica College and likes to shop at Trader Joe’s while on break.“I think they’ve done a lot to improve it. I can’t remember the last time I’ve had to wait long for a spot.”
Alison Mochizuki, a spokesperson for Trader Joe’s, declined an interview request with employees at the store, but in a prepared statement said the company is doing what it can to alleviate traffic congestion.
“We keep all of our registers open, which have helped move traffic more quickly,” she said.
“We do appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding when the parking situation at one of our stores is less then ideal.”
While Trader Joe’s is fond of its customers, not everyone in the neighborhood shares the warm sentiments. Residents living nearby said they are annoyed by customers who park in front of their driveways and leave shopping carts in front of their homes. They also worry about traffic at the intersection of 33rd Street and Pico Boulevard, where cars are backed up and drivers make dangerous moves to skirt around those waiting to enter the Trader Joe’s parking lot.
“It really is a recipe for disaster,” said Christine Mourad, who lives a few doors down from the grocery store. “People just treat our street as if it was an extension of the parking lot.
“This location has definitely built up a reputation for being too crowded.”
Resident Ross Levinson said Trader Joe’s has been responsive to complaints and makes it a habit of attending community meetings about parking woes on Pico Boulevard. His beef is with customers.
“It has become a constant battle for me,” Levinson said just minutes after a person parked and blocked his driveway. “It’s amazing that people will just leave their carts, thinking someone will come along and pick them up.”
Levinson fought for permit parking on his block, but the restrictions allow for people to park for two hours in front of his home during the day without a permit.
“We thought that was fair to the businesses around us,” he said.“We understand that this is really more about congestion than it is Trader Joe’s.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 17, 2007. Read the original PDF.