Mayor thanks local businesses for patience during ECR Project and encourages residents to get out and shop

ATASCADERO — The Atascadero City Council met for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m. The hybrid meeting was held in the City Council Chambers. 

At the top of the evening, the Consent Calendar, which included the minutes for the Sept. 10 meeting, passed unanimously.

Deputy City Manager Lara Christensen stood in for City Manager Jim Lewis and presented the council with Updates from the City Manager. During her updates, Christensen announced the new parade route for the Colony Days Parade due to ongoing construction for the El Camino Real Downtown Safety and Parking Enhancements Project (ECR Project). The much-loved Colony Days Parade that celebrates Atascadero will be taking place on Saturday, Oct. 5, starting at 10 a.m.

“The new parade route starts here, on the back of City Hall. So on Lewis [Avenue]. It will travel down to 41 and then from 41 on to El Camino Real, and then it will come back as it normally does, along West Mall,” said Christensen. “So, if you are planning to attend the parade, please just make sure you’re aware of that new parade route.”

Mayor Heather Moreno then thanked all the downtown Atascadero businesses for their patience during the ECR Project.

“I know I’ve talked with a lot of business owners, and I’m sure everyone throughout the city has, and a lot of them [the business owners] are excited about this downtown project, but it certainly is having an impact, and I thank you so much for your patience, and the really good attitude that you have about it. I know it can’t be easy,” stated Moreno. 

Moreno also encouraged residents to come out and support the businesses that are being affected by the ongoing construction.

“Please support your local businesses,” she said. “I know it might be a little harder navigating past a few cones, finding a parking space, but please, they do rely on us, and I know they greatly appreciate it.”

The ECR Project is currently set to be completed in the late spring of 2025. 

The next Atascadero City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 6 p.m.