CC 2022-04-12_10a Supplemental 2
MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council
FROM: Jessica Matson, Legislative & Information Services Director/City Clerk
SUBJECT: Supplemental Information
Agenda Item 10.a. – Consider Potential Permanent Parklet Program
DATE: April 12, 2022
Attached is additional correspondence received for the above referenced item.
cc: City Manager
Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director
Community Development Director
City Attorney
City Clerk
City Website (or public review binder)
From:Christine Jarrett
To:public comment
Subject:Parklets
Date:Monday, April 11, 2022 8:03:20 PM
I have lived in Arroyo Grande my entire life and I understand there is supposed to be a vote on
whether or not to keep the parklets in the village. I believe it is a great benefit having the parklets and I would
vote to keep them.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Christine Jarrett
From:Deanna
To:public comment
Subject:Keep the parklets!
Date:Monday, April 11, 2022 8:10:56 PM
Sending comment to keep the parklets in Arroyo Grande! They are a wonderful addition to the downtown area…for
visitors and businesses!
Thank You,
Deanna ELMERICK
From:Donalyn Millerl
To:public comment
Subject:Arroyo Grande parklets
Date:Monday, April 11, 2022 5:01:05 PM
To whom it may concern:
Regarding the future of the town’s parklets, I am definitely in favor of keeping them. I believe they have contributed
to increased tourism which financially helps the city along with businesses. The locals also enjoy the extended
seating outside.
Let’s keep the parklets!!
Donalyn Miller
Sent from my iPhone
From:Judy Cecchetti
To:public comment
Subject:Parklets
Date:Monday, April 11, 2022 7:48:26 PM
Greetings to the Arroyo grande city council,
The parklets were an advantage to the business owners and also their customers. The time has come to take them
down. Parking is limited in town, they are not attractive, they hide the beautiful buildings, they are not safe, they
impede the businesses next to them and they are intimidating to walk through. I realize that there is parking behind
those businesses but not everybody is lucky enough to walk well, and feel unsafe parking back there.
The tent at short Street needs to be taken down and the street reopened for safety reasons.
Thank you, judy cecchetti
Sent from my iPad
From:
To:public comment
Subject:Parklet/outdoor dining
Date:Monday, April 11, 2022 8:18:23 PM
Attachments:image001.png
Dear councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support to keep existing parklets/outdoor dining areas in the Arroyo
Grande Village. Through the Covid-19 pandemic, I made a point to frequent our eateries in the
Village to support local businesses that were drastically affected by the imposed closures and
constant changes being imposed. The uncertainty experienced by business owners through the
pandemic along with worrying about the health and safety of family, friends, patrons and employees
coupled with the added stress of financial instability has not been easy. The added seating provided
by the parklets and seeing patrons supporting our local businesses brought a sense of relief. The
added seating and ability to sit safely at our local restaurants added a sense of community that I do
not want to see go away. Although Covid-19 variant cases are low… we are still in an uncertain time
and having the option to be seated outside while supporting our local eateries isn’t something I want
to see taken away.
Please take my input into consideration when considering the future of our parklets.
Best regards,
Joey Lopez, Trustee
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From:Kaaren Abbate
To:public comment
Subject:Parklets in AG
Date:Monday, April 11, 2022 6:29:33 PM
To Whom It May Concern,
Please find this email as an endorsement in support of keeping parklets in the village of Arroyo Grande.
I have found this extra outdoor space to be an inviting and beneficial option for greater community interaction.
It is not only beneficial for the businesses, but also the community.
Thank you,
Kaaren Abbate
Sent from my iPhone
From:kara susank
To:public comment
Subject:Parklet
Date:Monday, April 11, 2022 6:20:28 PM
We feel that the parklets have made a great addition to our village of Arroyo Grande. They have really helped to
foster a community and have encouraged people to get out, while also benefitting our businesses. Please keep!
Thank you,
Kara Susank
Sent from my iPhone
From:Leila
To:public comment
Subject:Please keep our parklets!
Date:Monday, April 11, 2022 5:03:39 PM
Dear City Council,
I’m writing to voice my love for the parklets throughout the village of Arroyo Grande. Having the added outdoor
space to sit and enjoy our beautiful weather is my new favorite thing about the village. I truly hope they can become
permanent!
Thank you,
Leila Gangi
AG resident
From:
To:public comment
Subject:Parklets
Date:Monday, April 11, 2022 11:16:33 PM
Not sure if my earlier email got through so sending another one. I support the continuation of
the parklets for outdoor dining. With our beautiful weather it makes sense to increase outdoor
seating, pandemic or not. I support parklets like Cafe Andrini’s, which is attractive, not the
big white concrete walls. Parklets should add to the quaint village feel not be obnoxious and
ugly. If the weather is nice I would select to eat outside every time.
Thanks for your consideration.
Lori Hunstad
Arroyo Grande resident
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From:SHIRLEY ST.DENIS
To:public comment
Subject:Parklets
Date:Monday, April 11, 2022 6:44:36 PM
I am in favor of keeping the Parklets in the Village. They are a good addition. Some people still don’t like to be
inside a restaurant and who knows when the Pandemic will flare up again.
Sincerely.
Shirley St.Denis
Sent from my iPhone
From:Tony Burrows
To:public comment
Subject:Outdoor dining
Date:Monday, April 11, 2022 8:18:08 PM
I believe the business are benefiting from these outdoor spaces. My families do as well. The village is a very small
town with very small space. We would love for these parklets to stay in place as we enjoy them so much. The added
outdoor space has been such a nice addition & we hope it stays for good.
Thank you,
Tony Burrows
From:Becca burton
To:public comment
Subject:KEEP THE PARKLETS PLEASE
Date:Tuesday, April 12, 2022 9:24:23 AM
I love sitting outside, it’s beautiful and brings in more money for the villiage. Allows more
tourist to stop and visit and spend their money. It would be a shame and a loss of income if we
took away extra seating.
From:Frank Schiro
To:public comment
Subject:Permanent Parklet Proposal
Date:Tuesday, April 12, 2022 8:49:18 AM
City Council and Staff,
Thank you for all the time and thought you have put in to not only this parklet proposal but all the time, energy and
effort you have made over the last two + years helping your community navigate through an incredibly difficult
time. As business owners in other cities we can say from experience that the Arroyo Grande City Council, staff and
the community members effort in getting us through such an uncertain time in our history has been unmatched.
Specifically regarding the permanent parklet proposal the following our our thoughts as owners of Rooster Creek
Tavern and Mason Bar and Kitchen. First for all those businesses that don’t have an outside space for dining should
be allowed and encouraged to have some form of outside dining. Whether it’s a Parklet, sidewalk tables or an actual
patio. Allowing sidewalk tables when 36 inches of walk through clearance is available would also be a more
desirable option for some without any negative parking affects. While many customers feel perfectly safe dining
inside we have quite a few customers who still do not want to sit inside and will dine only outside. If there is any
resurgence of Covid as some have predicted this desire will only increase and for those without an outside dining
area these outside dining areas will likely become crucial for their survival once again and will aid in their solvency
as many factors besides Covid are contributing to the profitability of many businesses in the state of California.
Second, we agree that these spaces need to be aesthetically pleasing and in line with Village Design Guidelines. For
those who have been critical of some of these spaces please remember we constructed our outdoor areas, parklets
and tents out of the desire to SURVIVE. Quite frankly I personally was extremely skeptical that anyone would come
and the idea of spending money that we weren’t making seemed risky to say the least. Why would anyone regularly
dine in a “wedding tent?” If Covid lasted only a few weeks like many prognosticators claimed this expense would
have been a huge waste of dollars and could actually have expedited our demise. We NOW know how long Covid
has lasted and quite simply Covid has changed (at least temporarily) our customers standards for what an adequate
restaurant space looks like and it has changed our customers desire for outside dining. Third, while we totally
understand the needs of the other businesses that have parklets with no other outside space Rooster Creek will not be
seeking to make its parklet permanent as our customers prefer the seating on our existing patio. We will also be
taking down our tent on Short Street as we believe that it has served its purpose and is aesthetically not up to our
standards in a post Covid world(let us hope).
I’d like to conclude with a couple of closing thoughts. I believe that Covid has shown us just how connected we all
are. Local retail, restaurants, government and community members each help and need each other. When one
succeeds that helps the others succeed and when one fails this hurts everyone as well. Unfortunately I fear that for
many reasons business failure is not just a thing of the past but a future reality even for Arroyo Grande as well.
Approving additional outdoor dining is one action the City Council can take now to help alleviate the pressure that
all businesses are currently experiencing. While not part of this proposal we realize that parking is a concern for
many businesses but particularly those in retail that benefit from parking spot turnover. I would like the City
Council to consider in the near future additional 20 minute street side spots for those businesses who feel that would
help their businesses. We understand that some businesses emphasize the importance of street parking in front of
their business as the most important spots. We believe the underutilized upper lot with 72 spots still holds the key to
adequate parking for all. If we educate and encourage our customers, employees and community to use that lot as
much as possible we will certainly be able to mitigate any negative parking loss from the parklets if they are
approved.
Sincerely,
Frank Schiro
Rooster Creek Tavern
Mason Bar and Kitchen
Sent from my iPad
From:Joe Gremillion
To:public comment
Subject:Let’s keep the parklets
Date:Tuesday, April 12, 2022 8:56:45 AM
Hello,
I heard that the city is considering whether or not to keep the new outside dining areas along
Branch Street in the village. I hope you do. Weather permitting (and in the central coast, it
often does permit) the parklets create convenient outdoor seating that’s pleasant and visible. I
can’t prove they encourage people to stop and shop in the village, but recent guests I had from
out of town commented on how friendly the village seemed, thanks in part to being pedestrian-
and diner-friendly.
I’m originally from San Antonio, TX. If you haven’t heard of the Riverwalk, you might look it
up. The village is not downtown SA in scope or flavor. Nor should it be. But the idea of a
welcoming, iconic, and photogenic space may be worth trading a few parking spaces along the
road.
Since the pandemic began, I’ve noticed how they evolved with new structures, amenities, and
decorations as businesses iterate on their design — and that was during the covid emergency.
Imagine what they could become if they were planned and refined over time.
Joe Gremillion
Landscape photography • Weekend Hikers • I will make better mistakes tomorrow
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From:Joni McBride
To:public comment
Subject:Parklet
Date:Tuesday, April 12, 2022 12:27:26 PM
My name is Joni McBride, and I have been a resident of Arroyo Grande all my life. I’ve seen a lot of change over
the years in our city. Some good, and some, not so good. One change that has been made during COVID are the
Parklets in the village. They not only let locals and guest enjoy our beautiful weather, they get to enjoy our village
even more. They are also a huge asset to our businesses. I visit the village often and have never had a problem
finding parking. I am support of keeping the parklets, so I’m asking the council to PLEASE keep them.
Thank you,
Joni McBride
Sent from my iPhone
From:Jenna Cusack
To:public comment
Subject:Keep parklets
Date:Tuesday, April 12, 2022 11:39:28 AM
We live in the village and absolutely LOVE the parklets! We live in place with beautiful weather and being outside
to enjoy food/ coffee is so ideal. We really hope they stay!!
-Jenna Meads
From:Jamie
To:public comment
Subject:Parklets
Date:Tuesday, April 12, 2022 11:53:20 AM
Hello,
I’m in favor of the parklets!
I think they beautify our village. I feel safer eating outside with the barriers in place as well.
Thanks,
Jamie Robertson
Sent from my iPhone
From:Krista Bandy
To:public comment
Subject:Parklets
Date:Tuesday, April 12, 2022 11:43:06 AM
Hello….
Oh the debate of parklets. Some hate em, some love em. Overall, I think they are great, but they need need some
tweaks. Make them all the same design, then let the businesses add their own touches.
They bring the community together, they are always full of people chatting and laughing and enjoying their coffee
or meal.
I understand they take up parking, but overall, it’s really not many spots. There is almost always parking behind
Sidewalk & Andreinis, people are just too lazy to drive around or walk, they want the convenience of up front
parking.
I also believe the parklets help non-restaurant businesses. People are sitting outside, looking into retail businesses,
and are curious about them. We’ve hand handfuls of people come in that have never shopped with us before because
they were sitting outside seeing other going in and out. They look at the items in the windows.
Taking the parklets away not only will hurt restaurants, but all the businesses in the village.
Thank you,
Krista
Sent from my iPhone
From:Kevin Buchanan
To:public comment
Subject:Item 10.a - Consider Potential Permanent Parklet Program
Date:Tuesday, April 12, 2022 9:14:26 AM
Council members and staff,
It would be a shame to walk away from this "unique opportunity to re-imagine how the City’s
public right-of-way can be utilized to improve long-term community vibrancy and economic
vitality" - as described in the report - with the decision that, actually, free on-street parking is
the best way to use our public space. I support a continuation of the parklet program, but I
think the proposed program is heavily biased toward using our public space for the latter.
I hope that we can make the use of this public space more equitable for local businesses and
the general public, as opposed to using the limited space for a handful of stalls for private car
storage. If the city is going to put a price on that space, then that price should also apply to
drivers parking their cars in public space. There are already multiple public parking lots
servicing Branch St, and most of the time they are nowhere close to full. When they are full,
the handful of spaces on Branch St. aren't going to make much of a difference. Additionally, I
can tell you from experience on that street every morning and afternoon, most of those free
on-street spaces are taken up by the same cars every day. These business owners and
employees could just as easily use the public lots. If accessibility is a concern, then limit on-
street parking to only ADA parking.
If we are content giving that space away for free, in service of potential revenue generation for
businesses or as a general service to the public, then we should acknowledge the potential and
actual revenue generation of parklets and more public space for people. For example, I
personally have found myself more willing to spend money on Branch St. at some of the
businesses with parklet programs, where I know I can find outdoor, more social seating. I'm
less likely to do so without some outdoor semi-public space, and I'd assume I'm not alone in
that regard. People like social, outdoor space, whether it be due to public health restrictions
during a pandemic, precautions for ones own health during this endemic phase of COVID, or
simply because outdoor social spaces are nice. We should build more.
I suggest the following revisions to the proposed parklet program:
- Remove the cap and buffer between parklets.
- Remove the restrictions that limit parklets to eating establishments.
- Align the rental fees with parking fees (or lack thereof).
Please prioritize more productive and social public spaces in our city. There are plenty of
parking lots.
Kevin Buchanan
Arroyo Grande Planning Commission
From:Laura Beth Amy
To:public comment; Caren Ray Russom; Jimmy Paulding
Subject:Village Parklet Program
Date:Tuesday, April 12, 2022 9:48:05 AM
Dear council members,
My name is Laura Beth Amy and I’m the manager/owner of Humdinger Brewing as well as an Arroyo Grande
native. I’m writing this letter from a personal standpoint, rather than business.
I LOVE the parklets in the village. I love walking through and seeing familiar faces enjoying their coffee/meals
outside. I love the sense of community that the parklets bring. It makes the village feel more alive. After 2 years of
uncertainty it’s amazing to see friends and family catching up and laughing and enjoying each other and our
beautiful central coast weather. I feel that this truly adds charm to our already charming Village.
Another thing I’d like to address is safety. Before the parklets were installed i watched people crossing the street in
front of our business and saw so many near miss vehicle vs. pedestrian accidents. Since the parklets have been
installed i haven’t seen this happen at all. I believe the parklets force people use the crosswalk since they can’t
access the sidewalk from the street in this area. Another positive outcome.
I’m looking forward to the city’s plan to make the parklets look better and we’re looking forward to making a more
permanent and inviting area for our customers to enjoy.
I vote YES on keeping the parklet program in the village.
Thank you for your consideration,
Laura Beth Amy
Humdinger Brewing
From:Meggie Brummett
To:public comment
Subject:In favor of parklets in Arroyo Grande
Date:Tuesday, April 12, 2022 7:29:42 AM
I am writing to express my support of continuing the parklets in the village of AG. My family
and I have greatly enjoyed utilizing these outdoor spaces, not only because of the ongoing
pandemic but because they add a great deal of charm and space for dining in the village. On
average, we utilize a parklet space approximately once a week. These spaces are a direct
incentive for us to spend our money locally, and dine out more often. As longtime locals who
love living in this town, this is exactly the type of program we want to support.
Please feel free to email me with any questions!
Thank you,
Meggie Brummett
From:P and K
To:public comment
Subject:Keeping the Parklets
Date:Tuesday, April 12, 2022 8:58:18 AM
To Whom It May Concern:
We would like to express our support for keeping the parklets in the Village.
These are an attractive method of providing our restaurants additional seating that could help provide the additional
patrons needed to recover from the pandemic closures.
In addition, they provide much needed traffic calming through the Village. Vehicles travel through the village at a
high rate of speed. I have noticed an improvement (slowing down) since the parklets have been up.
The loss of parking spaces is far outweighed by the positives of the parklets. We live in a climate that allows for
year round outdoor dining. The parklets are tourist draws for just this reason.
The city should support their Village businesses by allowing the parklets to stay.
Thank you,
Patrick and Kami Griffin
Sent from iPhone