LAKEPORT— The City of Lakeport requested input from the community on outdoor dining and design Options in the downtown area. A total of 638 individuals participated on a survey, with 70.5% being in favor of sidewalk and on-street dining; 20.7% in favor of sidewalk, but not street dining; and 8.8% opposed. The survey additionally asked for opinions regarding designs, as well as provided an opportunity for comments.
The survey was developed by city staff in coordination with the Lakeport Main Street Association (LMSA). According to Lakeport Community Development Director, Jennifer Byers, the planning commission and city council have discussed the topics several times, and so have a variety of individuals who were supportive of and opposed to the temporary Covid guidelines, which have been in effect since the start of the pandemic.
At the onset of the pandemic, outdoor eating areas were built across city sidewalks and into the streets and parking areas, also known as temporary parklets at various communities including Lakeport. At the height of the pandemic these parklets were crucial in keeping local restaurants afloat as they were able to seat patrons outside.
“The Planning Commission agreed that two years was long enough for the temporary standards and requested that staff bring forward a more permanent program. Staff and LMSA have been following what other cities are doing already and wanted to create a survey that provided a variety of options for the community. Some of the controversial items we noticed from other cities were the use of the parking stalls and whether or not the restaurants should pay a fee”, said Byers. “Staff does not have a recommendation at this time regarding the question but wanted to garner input to be able to provide the Planning Commission and the City Council with a comprehensive view of public sentiment.”
The Lakeport Community Development Director added that the survey was active from May 25 to June 1 “and consisted of seven questions. The total of responses that was received is the largest response from any request.”
The top three preferred designs that participants voted on were large planters, mixed with open sides and use of umbrellas (46.6%); a variation of planters, umbrellas and decorative lighting (45.2%); and pergola structure with semi-open concept (41.4%).
The top three amenities that participants would like to see for outdoor dining are portable heaters (70.1%); decorative lighting (66.5%); and a defined area, so that the sidewalk is clearly defined (62%).
Businesses should not pay for the use of public space, according to 56.1% of participants; the other amount, 43.9%, voted that businesses should pay.
“Staff has been working on developing draft design guidelines and administrative procedures for permanent outdoor dining opportunities. The community survey has allowed city staff to gather input on the preferred design standards. At this time, staff seeks direction on this planning commission item with the feedback provided by the community,” said Byers.
A local business owner, who took part on the survey but was not identified by name or retail business association, declared they enjoy the outdoor dining “very much. However, its current format is not working well for the retail establishments because they take up valuable parking. For example, on the west side of the block between 1st and 3rd, there are approximately four parking spaces. I have suggested previously to eliminate the center lane from 1st to 5th and create pull in parking. The delivery trucks can park on the side streets. In addition, put stop signs at every block from 1st to 5th to increase safety for pedestrians and slow traffic. With this solution, we create space for outdoor dining, increase parking and create a safer downtown: (a) win win for everyone.”
The Planning Commission will be reviewing and providing direction to staff on July 27, at 5:30 pm, both in person, at City Hall, 225 Park Street, in Lakeport; and through live streaming, via Zoom. More information about the upcoming meeting can be found online at https://www.cityoflakeport.com/commissions_and_committees/planning_commission.php
