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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-15-2015 Item 16 - RiggsRC�.TVED SEP 10 2015 -----Original Message----- From: Billy Riggs[mailto:billy.rip?,gs(o)gmail.coiii] Lo CITY �"'�-"''-R K-- Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2015 1:43 PM To: E-mail Council Website COUNCIL MELTING:_Q_1 " �IS Subject: Public Comment - Support for Bowling Alley Project ITF,M NO-:_j_ .4_7 - - Mayor Marx and City Council Members: I wanted to provide comment on the recent appeal of the bowling alley project that Planning Commission approved on July 22, with a request that you: 1) deny the appeal and 2) remove the condition on the project limiting alcohol sales to midnight. First, with regard to the appeal, there is broad support for the project. The public is generally supportive and I have talked to numerous individuals across our community who want this kind of activity in our downtown. This was the tone of the Planning Commission and public comment at the hearing on the project. Amongst the commissioners, there was general consensus on the commission that more lively and active uses downtown were important, and that this project fit that role. The commission did have a limited debate on how late night active uses fit with increasing density and residential uses in a downtown, with one member suggesting that these were not compatible uses. To that point, I would express that I do not hold this opinion, and it is inconsistent with the literature on the topic. Active uses are an important part of a residential experience in a downtown, and the type of entertainment -related experiences that the project would offer are the same kind of activities talked about by leading academics practitioners around the world. Research by those such as Richard Florida and Michael Porter has shown that lively and active downtowns are a key to economic vitality. Because of this, as a second point, I would argue that you consider removing the conditions on the hours that alcohol is served. As I mentioned, having an active venue where people do more than drink alcohol would be a significant boost to our local economy. This project should not be penalized because a small number of members of the community are worried about more night -club -type bars, when the facility would do much more than that -- providing food and entertainment in addition to drinks late at night. Recent news already suggests that small bars without things to do other than drink are struggling, so perhaps it is time to approve the type of facilities we want in our downtown and let the market decide which will survive, rather than over -regulate what we perceive to be true? Furthermore I am aware that there are other administrative permits under review that may contradict the spirit of this limitation. For example, on Sept 18 Community Development will consider a directors - level permit for 853 Monterey Street, that never came to commission. Based on staff description, this will allow the proprietors to close their doors to patrons at a certain time, but to continue alcohol service until 12:30 -lam based on the day of the week. If this option is being offered to these applicants, then I'm sure why should it would and should not be extended to others. In sum, alcohol service or lively activity at downtown establishments are not threats to our community. While some feel that facilities like these will somehow make downtown a 'party place', that is a mischaracterization. Our community is much more than a party environment, or even a college town. We have thriving business, young professionals and families that want to stay here in town and desire amenities like what the applicant promises to provided. These are not rowdy individuals or those that would cause issues in our community, but they do want more nighttime activities downtown and dinning downtown. The question is will we provide them? To that I would ask that you help meet these needs and start providing more of these active uses downtown. Please deny this appeal and waive the condition on late-night alcohol sales. Respectfully, Billy William Riggs PhD, AICP, LEED AP Assistant Professor Department of City and Regional Planning College of Architecture and Environmental Design California Polytechnic State University http:lZwww.williamriggs.com.