From: Holly Henry
To: [email protected]; Neysa Hinton; [email protected]; Sarah Glade Gurney; Diana Rich; City Council Subject: Support for Parklets!
Date: Tuesday, February 15, 2022 3:30:49 PM
Hello City Council Members!
I am writing to show support for the parklets in Sebastopol.
As a Sebastopol resident, my family and I have really benefitted from these spaces over the past 18 months. As a mom to two small children under the age of 4, having more space for strollers and wild toddlers has been essential in our ability to enjoy our time downtown. Also, since our kids are too small to be vaccinated or understand masking, it feels safer for us to be in an outdoor space when we have the option.
As a local who frequents the downtown area, I haven’t noticed anything negative about having these spaces. I don’t feel parking is any worse (I was able to shop at Copperfields during the holidays, pop into the post office on random afternoons without issue…) and people seem to respect the areas for their new purpose.
The parklets seem like a win-win for both small businesses and residents. These spaces fit seamlessly within our vibrant community and it would be so disappointing to have them taken away from Sebastopol.
Because I have small children, I am unable to attend the city council meeting tonight- but I want to make sure that I share my family’s support for these parklets.
I hope that you will support our local businesses AND residents by making these more permanent and accessible.
Thank you for you time!
Holly Henry
/ Sebastopol, CA