From: Debbi Burnes
To: Mary Gourley
Subject: Public comment Council meeting 2/15/22
Date: Tuesday, February 15, 2022 8:16:08 AM
Parklet on Main Street
As a business owner on Main Street I was not contacted regarding the parklets so I wanted to voice my concerns. I have attended previous council meetings and spoke on the subject as well as reached out with public comment. During this incredibly turbulent time for businesses it is imperative that we enable our merchants operate with as much visibility, flexibility and foot traffic as possible.
While some of the parklets have improve the revenue of local merchants such as increasing outdoor dining space, others have derailed and deterred customers from shopping. The one on Main Street in front of Sumbody has both eliminated some of the precious parking downtown and become an obstruction preventing people from entering our store.
While we are in complete support of our neighbors increasing their business and utilizing any asset they can during these difficult times this parklet serves as no financial benefit to any merchant.
We understand our neighbor put a piano out there for the public to play which we think it's a lovely public service however the noise is extreme because most people who play it are not actual pianists and our customers complain to us and walk out of the store it is so loud. Additionally that parklet has become a gathering place for the unsheltered making Sumbody responsible for cleaning up after them and customers uncomfortable to walk by.
We also understand our neighbor has said they would like to use it as a stage for performances. Which again we support this lovely idea but it has not come to fruition in any tangible amount nor will any of these uses increase revenue for any of the merchant surrounding it. In contrast it derails foot traffic and sales.
I do believe some of the parklets have increased the success of our dining merchants by allowing them to extend their outside services while inside dining was either prohibited or people are not comfortable returning. I believe this is important that those merchants have options to continue to keep their business operational.
Every parklet should be looked at individually not as a group. While some may be uplifting our businesses financial success, others are offering no advantage as in the case of the one at 118 N. Main St. It is occupying our already limited parking spaces downtown, inhibiting customers from shopping, creating a hub for the unhoused that is taking considerable time clean up after, and discouraging customers.
I strongly recommend removing that parklet and allowing businesses the opportunity to increase their revenue through removal of the obstruction to foot traffic, by increasing parking, alleviating the dangerous litter/garbage and eliminating unnecessary noise.
Sincerely,
Deborah Burnes
Owner Sumbody