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CC 2021-11-23 Parklets Discussion_PP Presentation STUDY SESSION ON THE CITY’S TEMPORARY PARKLET PROGRAM AND OPTIONS FOR POTENTIAL PERMANENT PARKLET PROGRAMS 11/23/2021 1 Goal of study session: Provide introductory information about parklets and survey results Obtain feedback prior to staff allocating significant time in the development of a parklet program Short Street use and closure: Separate/distinct Council item because it may be a construction project. Development of a dedicated public outreach/ survey for Short Street plan. 11/23/2021 2 Background COVID-19 Public Health Crisis Economic Impacts to Local Businesses Significant Challenge / Unique Opportunity 11/23/2021 3 Background City Early COVID-19 Response: Authorized waiving application fees for additional outdoor space Facilitated installation of five temporary parklets in Village for eight businesses Temporary encroachments Concrete K-Rail Business Assistance Grants – approx. $170,000 11/23/2021 4 Parklet - locations 11/23/2021 5 Parklets – sidewalk view Rooster Creek Café Andreini 11/23/2021 6 Parklets Villa Cantina Humdingers/Village Café Doc Bernstein 11/23/2021 7 Parklets – street view samples Approx. 50 feet long Approx. 60 feet long 11/23/2021 8 Estimated Costs Permits (applicant fees): - MUP - $735.00 one time fee - Typical Encroachment Permit - $698.00 per mo. - Minor Encroachment Permit - $57.00 per mo. Materials (undetermined how cost is paid): - Concrete security planters - 8’ long x 3’ high x 30” wide – 1720lbs - $1,500.00 per unit - 3 to 5 required for each parklet - trellis and raised floor - currently owners expense 11/23/2021 9 Estimated Costs Staff Time (maintenance and inspections) (applicant fees): - $1,000 - $1,500 per year Potential Annual Use Fee (undetermined) An amount established by Council to compensate for the loss of public parking and private use of public property 11/23/2021 10 Public Outreach – Survey Questions 1. Throughout the pandemic, the City of Arroyo Grande has run a temporary parklet program, where some public street parking spaces have been converted to outdoor dining areas. Have you used a parklet in Arroyo Grande? 2. The City is considering whether to make some of these parklets permanent. In general, how supportive are you of having permanent parklets in Arroyo Grande? 3. Are you a business owner, manager and/or decision-maker of a business in the City of Arroyo Grande? 4. Where is your business located? 5. Does your business currently use one of the parklets? 11/23/2021 11 Public Outreach – Survey Questions 6. Are you interested in participating in the parklet program if it becomes permanent? 7. The City has provided several parklets on public streets at no cost to local businesses. A parklet costs approximately $3,000-$5,000 for installation (traffic safety K-rail placement) and approx. $1,000-$1,500/year for ongoing costs (maintenance, K-rail monthly rental fees, etc). If they become permanent, the City will look to share the expense with the businesses that have them. As a business owner/representative, what is the maximum annual cost you would be willing to pay to have a parklet at your business? 8. What is your overall feeling toward parklets in the Village? (Comment Box) 9. Does having parklets makes you more likely to visit an outdoor dining establishment? 11/23/2021 12 Public Outreach - Survey Results: Strong support for long-term permanent parklet program Strongly Support Somewhat Support Neutral Somewhat Oppose Strongly Oppose 11/23/2021 13 Public Outreach - Survey Support themes: Energy and Ambiance Aesthetics and Design Community Interaction Safety Economic Activity and Recovery 11/23/2021 14 Public Outreach - Survey Results: If an outdoor dining establishment included a parklet, more likely to visit by a margin of 68% to 26%, with 6% unsure. YES NO Don’t Know / Unsure 11/23/2021 15 Public Outreach - Survey Sample Support Comments: “When we visit, we enjoy sitting outside, and was so excited to have so many choices, because so many restaurants di this. It allows more people, which in turn makes more money for these restaurants and happier customers. They should absolutely stay!” “As an immunocompromised person, I have greatly appreciated the use of parklets in the Village. Parklets have allowed me to spend time downtown and support local businesses in a safe way. I hope the city keeps the parklets in AG.” 11/23/2021 16 Public Outreach - Survey Business Respondents Results: Small % of business use parklets (10%) Interest in participating if permanent (20%) Not interesting in participating if permanent (50%) 11/23/2021 17 Public Outreach - Survey Results: What is the maximum annual costs you are willing to pay? Up to $500/year $500 - $1,000/year $1,000 - $1,500/year Not willing to pay any cost Don’t Know/Unsure 11/23/2021 18 Public Outreach - Survey Concern themes: Parking Aesthetics Safety Obstruction Fairness Timing and Necessity 11/23/2021 19 Public Outreach - Survey Sample Concern Comments: “They are taking up valuable street parking and benefiting only select businesses” “It was nice the past year since there wasn’t the option of dining inside or limited seating. But with everything slowly going back to normal it seems safer to not have them. It also leaves room for more parking. If business want a front patio area they should look for a building that actually has one.” 11/23/2021 20 Long-Term Parklet Program Options Option 1: Return to pre-COVID policies, removing all parklets at conclusion of temporary program. Option 2: Develop long-term parklet program. 11/23//2021 21 Long-Term Parklet Program Options Option 1 (removal of parklets): Pros Maximizes on-street parking supply Eliminates risk of potential vehicle collisions with outdoor dining areas in parking lane Requires no new staffing resources or capital expenditures on parklets beyond end of temporary program 11/23/2021 22 Long-Term Parklet Program Options Option 1 (removal of parklets): Cons Limits available space for outdoor dining activities, providing less opportunity to increase vibrancy of pedestrian environment. Restricts ongoing flexibility for businesses as the pandemic continues. Limits the options for businesses during economic recovery. 11/23/2021 23 Long-Term Parklet Program Options Option 2 (development of a parklet program): Pros Provides more opportunities for outdoor dining, which adds to vibrancy of the public realm. Helps businesses with economic recovery. Visually narrows the street, which can have a traffic calming effect. Increases tax revenue to the City through the use of additional dining space and increased customer patronage. 11/23/2021 24 Long-Term Parklet Program Options Option 2 (development of a parklet program): Cons Reduces on-street parking supply. Increases costs to the City to continue parklet program. Parklets will need to be removed to facilitate roadway paving work, resulting in higher costs for work and direct temporary impacts to business that utilize parklets. Parklets do not directly benefit all types of businesses. Increased risk for vehicle collisions for anything located within the footprint of the roadway. Additional staff time required. 11/23/2021 25 Next Steps for Permanent Program Option 1: Remove Parklets after Temporary Program No additional action needed. Remove parklets at end of temporary program (TBD). 11/23/2021 26 Next Steps for Permanent Program Option 2: Develop Long-Term Parklet Program Develop framework for long-term parklet program and policies. Conduct a detailed cost analysis. Conduct additional outreach to guide refinement of policies. Present final parklet program and policy recommendations for advisory body and Council consideration for approval. 11/23/2021 27 If Recommend Option 2…. Include an appropriate permit process for future permanent parklets. Staff recommends an encroachment permit and Plot Plan/Minor Use Permit for each parklet, including approval by the Community Development Director via Architectural Review Committee design review. Develop detailed, but flexible, objective design standards for safety and aesthetics, with approval by the Community Development Director via Architectural Review Committee design review. 11/23/2021 28 If Recommend Option 2…. Develop appropriate permitting and annual user fees based on cost calculations and Council input. Include a process for notification of adjacent properties and an opportunity to appeal new parklet proposals to the Planning Commission and City Council. Staff recommends notification and appeal procedures consistent with a Plot Plan/Minor Use Permit. 11/23/2021 29 Alternatives Direct staff to remove existing parklets and end the Temporary Parklet Program Direct staff to develop a Long-Term Parklet Program: Develop framework for long-term parklet program and policies, including developing the permit type, objective design guidelines, proposed fee schedules, and amendments to the City Municipal Code required to continue with a permanent program. Conduct a detailed cost analysis for materials (barriers), installation, staff time, outside services (trucking/delivery), ongoing maintenance, replacement of damaged barriers, etc. Conduct additional outreach to guide refinement of proposed parklet policies. Present final parklet program and policy recommendations for advisory body and Council consideration for approval. 11/23/2021 30 Alternatives Direct staff to continue the existing Temporary Parklet Program, while gathering more information and detailed actual costs associated with a permanent parklet program; or Provide other direction to staff. 11/23/2021 31 Questions? 11/23/2021 32 Study Session Framework for Feedback Question 1: Does Council want to continue with a permanent parklet program? Question 2: Does Council support stringent parklet design standards that encourage a uniform appearance, or more flexible design guidelines that still allow for unique designs, as long as they meet objective minimum standards for safety and quality of appearance? 10/12/2021 33 Study Session Framework for Feedback Question 3: Does Council support the requirement of permit processing fees as well as user fees that will fully cover the costs to the City for installing the parklet barriers and managing the parklet program? If fees are adopted, should they be implemented gradually over the course of a few years? Question 4: What level of notification and communication should be provided to adjacent businesses and property owners prior to approving new parklet applications? 10/12/2021 34 Parklets – closer aerial photos 10/12/2021 35 Parklets 10/12/2021 36 Environmental Review Study Session itself does not constitute a “Project” under CEQA Parklets in some form of long-term continuation would be categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) because the actions are limited to permitting, leasing, and minor alteration of existing public facilities Staff will carefully evaluate any activities considered for continuation and conduct the appropriate level of project specific CEQA review prior to returning to Council with any permanent program or policy proposals. 10/12/2021 37