May 14th 2024
Re: Agenda item F1 - Outdoor Dining
Dear City Council Members,
This evening you will be reviewing potential modifications and regulations as they relate to Outdoor Dining and Merchandise Displays in Downtown Brentwood. Outdoor dining and the inviting merchandise displays in downtown have been crucial to the economic recovery following the pandemic. As visits to Downtown are increasing, these amenities help maintain vibrancy and vitality in downtown.
Maintaining the outdoor food and beverage areas is very important to our small businesses and the community members who enjoy them. We love seeing locals and visitors enjoying the sunshine and strengthening their bonds as a community while utilizing these spaces.
We would ask Council to direct City Staff to work collaboratively with the downtown business community to address any concerns that might arise and find solutions. We would like the opportunity to workshop concerns in a collaborative setting, (perhaps a series of roundtables) together with City Staff, DBC, and the small businesses.
The small businesses in Downtown love our community and they enthusiastically create environments that make us stronger. We would like the Council to continue empowering them to be the glue that brings Brentwood together. Please consider the potential negative impacts that could result from decisions to shrink or reduce their ability to operate and serve our residents.
We look forward to hearing the discussion tonight and we are available to support by providing insight and information to help ensure safety and success in Downtown.
Respectfully,
Amy Tilley
Executive Director
Downtown Brentwood Coalition
From: Becky Bloomfield
To: webCityClerk
Subject: Business Item F1 and Staff report
Date: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 6:26:43 AM
CAUTION – EXTERNAL SENDER
City Clerk,
In regards to the agenda item mentioned above, I would like to express my concerns regarding the new ordinance proposals.
We all know and remember the trying times that the 2020 Pandemic caused our nation, not to mention what it did to small businesses, especially restaurants and retail establishments.
The Downtown Brentwood Coalition along with the Economic Development Department of The City of Brentwood, worked side by side to come up with some real solutions to help our retail and restaurant community, specifically the Downtown Corridor.
The structures that were built with city approval and inspection should not be subject to moving the structures due to a new proposed ordinance regarding the ADA compliance of a 5 foot allowance for pedestrian and handicapped individuals. This would greatly affect businesses financially.
I also strongly disapprove of the idea that bar and or outdoor seating that faces the sidewalk and or streets should be removed. This is the most ridiculous idea I have heard. This is exactly what creates the outdoor experience for our patrons.
We have created a lovely downtown over the past few years. Offering dining and retail with a family friendly ambiance.
Respectfully,
Rebecca Bloomfield
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Rebecca Bloomfield
Bloomfield Vineyards
Brentwood's Co. Co. County Wine Company
(925) 783-0050
[email protected]