From: Kevin Greggans
To: x-City Clerk"s Office
Subject: 3/26 Council mtg: Item 8A ODP approval for Raston Ave (Vivace) Date: Monday, March 25, 2024 5:24:06 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Hello:
My wife and I along with several of our neighbors in Belmont Heights wish to have the Council approve Vivace's request to reestablish their parklet.
Justification:
1. The Carlmont Shopping Center is the closest thing that Belmont has for a "Downtown".
We need to encourage more community and social gathering spots, not less.
2. The parklet only took up a 2-3 parking spaces
3. The argument that Ralston is a high traffic thoroughfare does not come into play at this location because of:
multiple crosswalk signs
a speed limit of 30 MPH
West bound traffic naturally slows down as the road narrows just past Avon
4. There are 2 flashing light traffic cross walks that frame the block where Vivace is located making it extra safe.
5. The single lane going past the restaurant parklet is wide enough to include a bike lane
6. Belmont Cleaners and RE/Max still have parking available right in front of their businesses -- giving drivers good visibility to see the upcoming crosswalk.
We hope you take these and inputs from us around the community to make the right decision.
Cheers,
Kevin & Debbie Greggans
2568 Comstock Cir
From: Jamie Farrar
To: x-City Clerk"s Office
Subject: City Council Meeting March 26, 2024 - outdoor dining program Date: Tuesday, March 26, 2024 7:58:23 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Dear Sir/Madam,
I may not be able to speak at tonight's meeting. In the event I cannot attend, I would like the following feedback regarding the Outdoor Dining Program be added to the record.
Thank you for your help,
Jamie
Thank you for your time tonight. I'm here representing a number of neighbors local to the Vivace restaurant.
I am going to highlight a number of issues that the local community has with the Program including Ralston Avenue as a proposed site for parklet outdoor dining.
I would especially like to remind the council of the petition sent to Mayor Mates that requested the removal of the parklet located at the Vivace restaurant site.
This petition received 100% support from every resident on the local street of Villa Avenue to Belburn Avenue and pointed to, but not limited to, the following:
An array of safety concerns - such as reduced pedestrian visibility at the highly used Ralston Avenue crosswalk
- increased driver distraction on approaching the crosswalk and the Villa Avenue intersection
- and driver safety such as when parts of the parklet structure (namely the plastic windows) were blown into oncoming traffic. I happened to witness the event and removed the windows from the road.
The Planning Commission recently went on record noting that certain drivers slowed down when nearing the structure, presumably due to safety concerns. Given that the structure is not deigned as a traffic calming measure, rather to house humans, it is noteworthy that with this point being on record, that any future law suit against the City should an accident occur would be considerable.
The petition also pointed to:
Reduced safety when exiting Villa Avenue. Indeed, the Director of Public Works noted that drivers now need to inch out to exit Villa.
Increased parking issues on Villa Avenue and surrounding streets due to the removal of parking spaces directly outside Vivace restaurant.
Increased social issues and disturbances on neighboring street connected with the higher parking volumes and patrons of the restaurant leaving later and in more boisterous moods.
One respondent wanted me to raise the occasion when her young children were woken due to restaurant goers being particularly loud when returning to their cars but not immediately leaving
Another respondent noted that Vivace staff on one occasion were forcing pedestrians to cross the road and use the sidewalk on the other side of the street as the restaurant was hosting a private party in the parklet.
And finally, the parklet being out of step visually with rest of Belmont. One respondent noted that the parklet resembled a disused building site with bright orange traffic cones, caution tape and barriers.
Outside the petition, I also want to highlight that the site was originally designed as a Covid relief measure and that the associated Covid restrictions have long since passed. Indeed, over the months when diners could return to indoor dining, the parklet received very little use.
This is in direct contrast with the parking spaces, that with the parklet's removal and now available, receive use throughout each and every day including during the hours when the restaurant is closed.
Finally, I would like to note that the site has been subject to a 2 year test period and that the recommendation of the test is not to allow a parklet at this location. It is, after all, on a major atrial road where upto 80,000 pound 18-wheelers travelling at 30 mph serving Safeways and the Carlmont Center pass approximately 10 feet past the structure. This perhaps also provides an insight as to the parklets lack of use once the Covid indoor dining restrictions were removed.
Additionally, the recommendation to exclude this site was reached by a member of the Public Works department who has in part dedicated a portion of her career to assessing parklet viability and safety and has the backing of the Public Works department.
To conclude, I have spoken to the petition, the safety concerns, the lack of suitable parking associated with reduced parking spaces and increased restaurant goers, the high credentials of the author of the Program and the backing of the Public Works department to recommending that Ralston Avenue be excluded from having parklets.
I would, therefore, like the Council to accept this recommendation and exclude Ralston Avenue from future parklets. Thank you for your time.
From: Mark Gurevich
To: x-City Clerk"s Office
Subject: Comments on agenda item 8.A
Date: Tuesday, March 26, 2024 8:48:42 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Hello,
I am a planning commissioner. I am writing as an individual. These opinions are mine and not the committee's.
Please see the attached screenshot of the satellites view in front of Vivace. The bulb-out already stops traffic before the road widens to 2-lanes going West. The road is already single lane. The parklet would take over the three parking spots that are regularly filled with cars anyway. There is no impact to traffic by allowing the parklet.
I am all for allowing the parklet there. It's a benefit to the city by supporting a local small business.
Thank you.
Mark Gurevich.
From: Terri Cook
To: City Council
Cc: Kenneth Stenquist
Subject: license plate readers
Date: Sunday, March 24, 2024 7:38:13 PM
Honorable Mayor and Council,
I wanted to comment again about the proposal for the acquisition of automated license plate readers, item 9C on your Tuesday meeting. I believe I communicated with you previously about this topic. I am opposed to this acquisition. While I understand and recognize the severity of the handful of cases outlined in the staff report that may or may not have benefitted from license plate readers, I believe that public privacy trumps this policy. I may have felt differently if our police department could demonstrate that license plate readers would help them on a daily basis, but the staff report does not allude to that.
I recognize that these types of technologies are common place in many jurisdictions. But that doesn’t mean we should embrace it. Look at what happened with red light cameras. Sounded like a great idea at the time, but they went away and were fraught with issues. In other cities, their misuse cost those cities money.
Just today in the SF Chronicle there was an article about how this license place technology is being used to identify vehicles coming in from states prohibiting abortion. Many jurisdictions are sharing the license plate information outside of their jurisdiction. Here is a link in case you are interested.
This is obviously not what was intended for their use, but there you have it.
California police agencies are still sharing data with other states (sfchronicle.com) I support giving our police department all the tools it needs to combat crime and investigate cases. I always felt this way and even more so after I participated in the beta test of the Community Police Academy. This is one that I don’t support. I think it’s too bad that the staff report didn’t directly analyze the negatives of this technology (even if it’s perceived negatives).
Thank you for your attention. I appreciate that you carefully analyze all of these issues and know you will make the right decision. I just wanted to share one person’s perspective.
Terri Cook
From: Terri Cook
To: City Council
Cc: Kenneth Stenquist
Subject: P.S.
Date: Monday, March 25, 2024 11:54:04 AM
Hello Council,
I wanted to add a p.s. to my communication regarding license plate readers. I wanted to note that I acknowledge that these are public streets, not private. My concern is more for privacy regarding what happens with that information afterwards. In addition, as a philosophical issue, this feels too “big brother” to me.
Thanks,
Terri Cook
From: Bruce Schilling
To: x-City Clerk"s Office
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Outdoor dining on 3/26 agenda
Date: Tuesday, March 26, 2024 3:39:44 PM
You don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important Dear CIty Council;
When Vivace had their outdoor dining structure, we enjoyed it immensely. We frequented Vivace regularly, because the structure was well built and of course the food and service was excellent. Please allow them to build their structure once again.
Thank you,
Bruce Schilling
EL Dorado Apartments,
2101 Carlmont Drive
Belmont, CA 94002
--
Bruce Schilling
Realtor®
DRE#: 00470815
415-609-0993
1440 Chapin Avenue
Burlingame, CA 94010
New Outdoor Dining Program:
Parklets & Sidewalk Dining
City Council Meeting
March 26, 2024
Planning Commision Meeting 2
AGENDA
Background
Program Overview
Design Requirements (Parklet/Sidewalk)
Benefits/Challenges
Q/A
Recommendations by Staff
BPAC Meeting 3
BACKGROUND
March 2020
• State and SMC issued a Shelter-in-Place Order
• Belmont declared local emergency
August 2020
• City Council adopted Zoning Text Amendments
June – April 2020
• Irongate & Shalizaar outdoor dining in private lots
• Vivace parklet on Ralston (2 on-street spaces)
BPAC Meeting 4
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Parklets
Outdoor Dining Program
• Allows outdoor dining in the public ROW
Sidewalk Dining
BPAC Meeting 5
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
Parklets
• Located within parking on frontage only
• Design/Setback requirements for the platform,
railing/enclosure, traffic safety protections
• Private space during business hours
• Encroachment Permit is required
• Fees required one time and annually
• Not allowed on Ralston or El Camino
BPAC Meeting 6
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
Parklets Continued
BPAC Meeting 7
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
Parklets Continued
BPAC Meeting 8
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
Parklets Continued
Permitting
•Submit EP Application
•Plans
•Business License
•Insurance
•Pay Fees
BPAC Meeting 9
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
Sidewalk Dining
• Located on sidewalk along frontage only
• Spacing and clearance requirements (preservation of
ADA compliance is paramount)
• Encroachment Permit is required
• Fees
• Not allowed on El Camino Real
BPAC Meeting 10
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
Sidewalk Dining Continued
BPAC Meeting 11
DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
Sidewalk Dining Continued
Permitting
•Submit EP Application
•Plans
•Business License
•Insurance
•Pay Fees
Planning Commision Meeting 12
BENEFITS/CHALLENGES
Benefits
• Increase foot traffic in commercial areas
• Supports local restaurants
• Increased revenue to City and restaurants
• Jobs
• Enhanced, active use of the ROW
Challenges
• Parking concerns and increased noise
• Ensuring compliance at all times
• Safety of the dining public and travelers
Planning Commision Meeting 13
NEW FEES
SUMMARY OF NEW FEES
Fee Description Amount
Parklets
Permit Application Fee (One-Time) $1,000
Annual Renewal Fee $400
Annual ROW Use Fee $10/SF
Sidewalk Dining
Permit Application Fee (One-Time) $500
14 Staff Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution to approve the
Outdoor Dining Program (ODP)
within the public right-of-way, which
includes Parklet and Sidewalk Dining
Guidelines and new ODP permitting
fees to be compiled in the Fiscal Year
2023-24 Master Revenue Schedule.
From: Terri Cook
To: City Council
Subject: parklet dining
Date: Tuesday, March 26, 2024 11:08:06 AM
Honorable Mayor and Council:
I am writing in reference to Item 8A on tonight’s agenda related to outdoor dining parklets. I wanted to lend my support to modify the policy to allow Vivace to utilize the sidewalk and parking spaces as they did during the pandemic. I recognize the issue on that stretch of Ralston because of the bike lane, but it seemed to work out when they had their outdoor dining area during the pandemic. It did not impede the sidewalk for pedestrians. Anecdotally I did hear some concerns regarding sight lines for cars exiting Villa Avenue, but I would think that some careful design could mitigate this issue.
The proposed policy as is not likely to be applicable for very many restaurants due to their location on streets that are exempt (El Camino and Ralston). I recognize that there is no way to accommodate parklets along Ralston between El Camino and Sixth (e.g., Divino’s, Monster Sushi).
That said, I think it’s important to do what we can to support a long-standing business such as Vivace. They have been in Belmont for well over 25 years and Mike (the owner) has been extremely generous with the community. He never says no when approached about supporting schools and other nonprofit organizations with gift certificates, etc.
I wanted to mention that no one from Vivace asked me to write this. I respectfully request that you consider modifications that could accommodate a parklet for Vivace Restaurant.
Thank you for your consideration,
Terri Cook
From: Andrew Pollack
To: City Council
Subject: Vivace Parklet - Please support!
Date: Tuesday, March 26, 2024 1:59:02 PM
[Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] Dear Council Members:
I write to advise of my support for allowing Vivace Restaurant to place their parklet back on Ralston Avenue in front of the restaurant. I understand this matter will be discussed at the Council meeting tonight, which I am unable to attend in person so I trust this email will be sufficient to add my voice to others supporting Vivace.
Belmont lacks outdoor seating at our local restaurants to a degree that is truly I unfortunate, and indeed makes it more challenging for our local establishments to compete with those in our neighboring cities such as San Mateo and San Carlos, both of which have been far more supportive of outdoor seating efforts than, it appears, Belmont has been. My wife and I very much enjoy sitting outdoors, and especially in the spring, summer and fall prefer it, and we similarly prefer our dining dollars, and the City tax revenues those dollars support, to remain in Belmont rather than benefit other towns. And of course for some sitting outdoors is advisable for health reasons given Covid and other respiratory illnesses remain a threat for those in the community who are older or who have compromised immune systems.
As well, Vivace’s parklet has been well constructed and is attractive, while consuming minimal parking spaces and not interfering with traffic on Ralston (a route I drive several times a day every day).
Accordingly, I ask that the Council support Vivace’s effort to bring back their parklet.
Thank you for considering my views.
Regards
Andrew Pollack
2028 Belle Monti Avenue
From: Paul Mangan
To: City Council
Subject: Email from City Website
Date: Monday, March 25, 2024 7:43:04 PM
[Some people who received this message don't often get email from [email protected]. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] We are Belmont residents and frequent Vivachi restaurant regularly. And enjoy dining out front of the building in the parklit.
We hope that you can see your way to returning there permit for future outdoor dining at the restaurant.
Paul
Sent from my iPhone