CC 2022-05-10_11a Supplemental 1
MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council
FROM: Jessica Matson, Legislative & Information Services Director/City Clerk
SUBJECT: Supplemental Information
Agenda Item 11.a. – Discussion and Consideration of the Current and
Future Short Street Status and Pedestrian Plaza and Park Conceptual
Design and Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Continued
Closure of Short Street
DATE: May 10 , 2022
Attached is correspondence received before 4 p.m. 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:Claire Clark
To:public comment
Subject:Council Agenda for May 10, 2022 Item 11a
Date:Friday, May 6, 2022 1:15:07 PM
Honorable Mayor and Council Members,
It has been wonderful to see the work you all have put into preserving and encouraging our
village business district with the recent consideration of continuing the parklets and other
enhancements for eating and hosting visitors. Of particular note, I was encouraged to see
consideration of enhanced barriers for parklets, replacing the ugly barriers used "in a pinch"
for the pandemic.
The plan described for re-envisioning Short Street as a public plaza is another step in the right
direction. Please support this idea now that everyone has gotten used to the street being closed
to traffic.
However, I ask that use of the street for restaurants be discontinued now, not later. The area is
an eyesore - less so since the tent was removed - and the installation of picnic tables will
continue to result in the space looking run down and generally unwelcoming to the public at
large - even if only for the period it takes to get the plaza plans approved.
Also, further use of Short Street by restaurants for the duration of the Covid "reopening
process" will establish an expectation for that use into the future. Once "established" it is hard
to change down the line. Shouldn't we be re-establishing a clean and uncluttered village
atmosphere now in order to build collective success well into the future?
Thank you for keeping the good of the Village at the top of your agenda and moving forward.
Best Regards,
Claire Clark
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
--
Claire Clark
From:m lee
To:Caren Ray Russom; Jimmy Paulding
Cc:Brian Pedrotti; Jessica Matson
Subject:May 10, 2022 City Council Meeting ----Short Street and Arroyo Grande "Village"
Date:Tuesday, May 10, 2022 12:39:53 PM
Dear Mayor and City Council,
Please consider opening Short Street to traffic and preparing an Arroyo Grande Village
Specific Plan. Re-opening Short Street to traffic would provide good information for current
overall traffic flows in the Village area, in preparation for a comprehensive study. Our unique
Village Area deserves a Specific Plan process that considers the relationship of all of its
different parts, ie. Land Use, Circulation (Pedestrian/Bike/Auto), Parking, Signage, History,
Views,Vegetation, Environment, Design, etc.
Arroyo Grande Creek is a wonderful asset that has been underutilized. Olohan Alley area
offers a great opportunity for enhancement --pedestrian activities, outdoor dining, potential
housing, park activities. Businesses would benefit If the access and visual connections
between Branch Street and Olohan Alley were better linked.
Many cities like San Luis Obispo, Corvales and Lake Oswego, Oregon, Petaluma Ca. and
throughout the country have taken advantage of waterway proximity. Vibrant Farmers
Markets with retail, residential, and parks have located along the waterways.
In summary, for the enhancement of the Village and businesses, please consider re-opening
Short Street to auto traffic and preparing a Arroyo Grande Village Specific Plan (eg. the area
from Bridge Street to Crown Terrace and from Le Point to Arroyo Grande Creek). Opening
Short Street would provide some current circulation information for a comprehensive land use
study.
Thank you for all you have done and continue to do to support our local small businesses.
Marsha Lee