From: Kate Haug
To: Mary Gourley
Cc: Dante Del Prete
Subject: Parklets - Some/Not All - Public Comment 2/15/22 Date: Friday, February 11, 2022 9:53:34 AM
Dear Council Members,
I am writing in regards to the parklets in Downtown Sebastopol. I support the parklet in front of Retrograde and Sunshine Cafe. It is well used and the parklet does not seem to impede business on that block. Also, the businesses maintain the parklet so it is always clean and inviting.
The parklet in front of People's Music is not used, is not maintained and impacts the businesses on that block of Main Street. I would suggest that the parklet be removed and the parking be restored.
If the Council decides to retain one or more of the parklets, they need to be made more aesthetically pleasing and regularly maintained. Other cities have parklets that are architecturally compelling and aesthetically unifying. As Sebastopl requires buildings and signage to be reviewed for their visual appeal and impact, the parklets should undergo the same review and consideration.
Downtown Sebastopol needs to be unified aesthetically and also needs to be cleaned up in terms of empty, unused plastic newsstands, dull and worn out signage, garbage, stickers on utility poles, old benches and other simple improvements.
It seems that if the City wants to keep one or more of the parklets, they should provide funds to make the parklets attractive and to also do a deep clean on Main Street so it is a welcoming and visually pleasing environment.
The parklets should be seen as part of a larger investment in the visual appearance and function of Main Street.
Best,
Kate Haug
Sebastopol