HomeMy WebLinkAbout040522 DODD, KIVA
April 4, 2022
Honorable Newell Arnerich
Danville Town Council
510 La Gonda Way
Danville, CA 94526
Item 9.1 - Discussion regarding the status and future of expanded outdoor restaurant seating
Dear Mayor and Town Council members,
It is hard to remember that two years ago today, we were in what we now know was only the first wave
of a very long and hard pandemic period. My retail store, Whim House was closed for eighty-five days in
2020. It was both a terrible financial and emotional time for my business. Similarly, one year ago, we
were emerging out of yet another shutdown. I recall my extremely low revenue from the first quarter of
2021 too. In both periods, I witnessed what our downtown looks like when our community cannot or
does not participate in dining and shopping local.
Fast forward to today, I consistently see our community and members from surrounding communities,
thoroughly enjoying both dining and shopping experiences here in Danville. Downtown Danville has
become a destination, and by and large, it is because of our outdoor dining. Restaurant owners who
could expand their outdoor dining on their own or surrounding private property have taken full
advantage of their space to make al fresco dining permanent. Look around to see what beautiful and
functional places are to be found. I envision this for all the restaurants that are willing and able to
commit to a permanent structure on city property too.
We could take the lessons of the pandemic and use them to push our community forward. So, when I
see only extending parklets a few months at a time and at the same time hear the overwhelming
acceptance of outdoor parklets, I wonder how all of this will unfold on the eve of unveiling a downtown
master plan. I must question why would we want to unravel something that is working so exceptionally
well for both our businesses and citizens, as well as generating tax dollars for our city? Why should we
pause a process instead of using it as a platform or trying to improve upon what we have already
established? Why can’t we use these parklets as the catalyst for progress and success? It seems to me,
that the solution is clear. Transition the parklets as we develop the downtown master plan and as one
of the launching pads for our future community.
As a Danville business owner, I honestly fear of our downtown stepping backward to the pre-pandemic
era. The town was exceptionally sleepy, and widely underutilized, affecting revenue from all businesses:
Restaurants, retailers and services. I just feel if we don’t take this moment to look farther forward then
a few months we are not truly pushing ahead but falling behind. Danville should be the leader in this
region. I urge you to keep the temporary parklets up until we can transition them permanently.
Thank you for your time, attention, and continued support of our community.
Keva Dodd