LAKEPORT— As California moves forward and local economies try to recover from the pandemic, lifting mask mandates may be the easy part. What about the changes that can’t be reversed so easily, like the outdoor eating areas built across city sidewalks and into the streets and parking areas also known as temporary parklets. At the height of the pandemic these parklets were crucial in keeping local restaurants afloat as they were able to seat patrons outside, but now many are left wondering how permanent they will be.
According to Kevin Ingram, Lakeport City Manager, the parklets were introduced when the state began emergency provisions, allowing for the expansion of stores outside “to assist all businesses so that smaller stores could allow for social distancing.”
Any business can obtain one by applying for an “emergency temporary encroachment permit.” Since their creation in Spring 2020, restaurant parklets have helped secure these businesses through the pandemic. Kristina Arnold, manager at Pogos Pizza explained how helpful they have been and how many diners still appreciate the outdoor option.
Arnold said that this way returning customers could keep coming regularly, staff stayed employed, and diners could have an easier way to bring their pets with them since services like dog sitting were on hold. Now that people are able to eat inside again without masks many residents have asked – are they still necessary? Neighboring businesses agree that not only are they unappealing, but also take up valuable parking space. The manager at Campos Casuals James Kellis stated customers regularly tell him “Oh I would have come in but there is never parking.” Adding that almost half of the parking spaces on his block are taken up by parklets, making it hard especially for those with mobility issues.
Parking issues aside, the parklets occupy a pedestrian traffic area, forcing shoppers and others passing by to walk through them or to cross the street. The other issue they present is limited visibility for both stores and oncoming traffic as the parklets are large and bright orange, distracting drivers from the rest of the block. Studio 127 is tucked behind two parklets and owner Laurel McCarthy would like to see some change as she worries about the comfort of her clients. Katie Callaway, manager at Infinity Boutique noted that perhaps the parklets would be better with some remodeling that could make them less obstructive.
Lorna Higdon, owner of The Clearlake Club shared that it was nice to have the outside option when it was needed, but after being asked by the city to remove the parklet if she offered other outdoor dining options, they made the choice to disassemble them and get back to normal. For those who do not have other options, city officials noted that the parklets can remain.
After a recent meeting, city officials have made recent adjustments to the parklets, including removing sidewalls, but they can remain in place until state “emergency provisions” are lifted. Ingram confirmed that The Lakeport Planning Commission is currently working on “permanent design standards that could be a grand addition to downtown.” He added that they hope to have those completed within a few months.
