Ladies and Gentlemen, I've lived at 6 William Court in Menlo Park for over 23 years. I'm deeply concerned that the social spacing requirements will not leave enough tables for our restaurants downtown to survive. They cannot make it with half their indoor seating and takeout. I'm also deeply concerned that the post-lockdown city cannot be business as usual for our downtown to survive, much less thrive. Up to half the restaurants in San Francisco are projected to close, with dozens already closed for good. We have historically had virtually no curb appeal or foot traffic downtown, and too many rug and furniture stores that take away any charm. If the restaurants close, there will be even less reason to hang out downtown and the stores will suffer too. I therefore started a "Downtown Business Proposal" chat on Nextdoor.com to make downtown Santa Cruz Avenue from Peet's at University Avenue to the cross street at Left Bank Restaurant a pedestrian only walkway, and allow restaurants and businesses to branch out into the street al fresco. The warm Summer months are the ideal time to do this anyways. But I would hope this becomes permanent and we create a real pedestrian "mall" downtown. Pearl Street in Boulder, CO, downtown Charlottesville, Aspen, and other towns have transformed themselves into public attractions this way. Burlingame did this halfway and look at their vibrant downtown. Add licensed street stands, outdoor music and brick/cobblestones, and we will have one of the most charming downtowns in the Bay Area. You can visit the chat thread and see the overwhelming support from all neighborhoods in town. Over 100 people and counting have strongly endorsed this plan, including Ray Mueller. A number have pointed out that they have been calling for this for years. About the only reservation has been the loss of parking downtown. In all my years here, I have never seen every single parking spot downtown or in the side lots North and South of Santa Cruz Avenue behind the stores, much less the nearby lots under Kepler's, fill up, other than perhaps on the Saturday of the street/art festival in the Summer when there is no parking on Santa Cruz allowed. Frankly, full parking lots would be a great problem to have, especially compared to the alternative of a stagnant downtown with closed businesses. I have noticed four already this year. People have also learned to walk and bike during the shutdown, more than I've ever seen in town - this is a healthier lifestyle we should embrace in town regardless. I cannot emphasize enough the immediate urgency of the situation, as well as the long-term vision this would represent. Lest we think we're immune, JZ Cool. Marche and other strong restaurants have closed even in normal times. MacArthur Park, Dan Gordon's, Clarke's and a number of other well known restaurants in the area have shut down permanently. Picture all the small restaurants and stores in our downtown that will be teetering at best, and then picture what would conceivably replace them where virus testing and a vaccine will take at least a year to take hold. Then what will do in the next surge. Now is the time to act on so many residents' dream of a beautiful downtown, finally. A great place to hang out, window shop and grab a bite to eat. You should be aware that a movement is afoot to do the same on University Avenue or California Street in Palo Alto. Check the chatrooms, it's all abuzz. We should beat them to it! I am prepared to do anything the Council needs to rally support and make this dream a reality. Its time has come. Best, Curtis Mo Received on Thu May 07 2020 - 16:57:30 PDT
