Downtown group emerges with support from city, survey results in
A yet unnamed downtown action group has emerged to promote the historic downtown area. The group has met twice to discuss marketing opportunities, identity and goals. Anita Long, owner of The House Dresser, initiated the meetings that have taken place at the The Savory Cafe and the Fat Cat Cafe. Long and two other representatives of the group have also met with Woodland City Councilmen Dave Flory and Skip Davies and city manager Mark Deven.
The city leaders expressed support for the group, urging the development of a mission statement, budget and long-term goals. Support may come in a variety of ways, such as the city simply providing chairs for the downtown Christmas festivities. Deven was surprised to find out that only Long and a few others have organized holiday events without city involvement.
On a related note, the Downtowner Surveys have been collected and the results have been forwarded to survey participants, Deven and all councilmen. Surveys were hand-delivered throughout the historic downtown area to businesses and residents and were also made available to The Woodland Journal readers. All related comments from this blog were compiled and sent with survey results. The survey was also emailed to two representatives of the local chamber of commerce for distribution amongst their membership.
Here are some of the survey results:
56% agreed (and 12% disagreed) that a Government Center designation for Court Street (from Fourth to College) will help define land use and traffic flow.
Most respondents (87%) agreed that parking structures built for development projects should be paid for by the developers and include additional parking for the downtown.
Twice as many respondents agreed that there should be diagonal parking on Main Street. (56% to 26%)
Main Street should not be one-way. (66% to 19%)
Most respondents (81%) agree that the Downtown Specific Plan should outline ways to promote the use of sides streets and alleys
Most respondents with an opinion on the matter agreed that Fourth Street should remain open between Main and Court. (47% to 9%)
Most respondents with an opinion on the matter agreed that the Downtown Specific Plan for a theater complex on the 800 Block does not consider the potential for better planning in the downtown (37% to 9%) - AND - the Downtown Specific Plan should encourage the renovation of the State Theatre (66% to 9%).
Private businesses know best how to promote themselves. Businesses have the right to use their own brands and colors at their location exteriors - 56% agreed and 12% disagreed.
Three times as many respondents agree that there should be no fees for A-Frame signs and fewer restrictions on their use. (66% to 22%)
It is clear that respondents like the overhanging signs (like the one's on Corner Drug and Timothy¹s Bakery), 87% agreed and nobody disagreed.
Likewise, there should be more banners and decorations in the downtown (78% to 9%), the black post street lighting should extend to East Street (62% to 6%), and more trees should be planted in the downtown (82% to 9%).
By an overwhelming margin, respondents agree that there should be up-to-date directories and signs downtown that help shoppers, 91% agreed and nobody disagreed.
For the complete results of the survey and compiled comments, please download the survey by clicking here and return to Marco Brando at 145 First Street, Woodland CA 95695.
32 comments:
Some good information there though much of it seems self-evident and more than a little self-serving (should developers pay for parking garages instead of me? Sure! - Do other people know more about marketing and promotions than you? No way!).
Still the info on the street configurations and parking are the most interesting as are the perspectives on the theater(s).
I agree, some statements on the survey seem self-evident. That was necessary because sometimes the obvious is overlooked. The pertinent part of "Private businesses know best how to promote themselves" is the following sentence: "Businesses have the right to use their own brands and colors at their location exteriors." The current interpretation of the DSP does not recognize individual preferences and corporate branding.
Downtown is going to eventually be a ghost town until the city council does what other successful old towns are doing to keep their main street businesses active and serving homeowners and families, in particular.
11:01,
I think this survey will do a lot of good. It provides our City leaders with some directions to make the changes you write about.
Maybe you could elaborate on what you think other old towns have done to support their downtowns.
Eddie
Didn't our downtown just receive some kind of award?
Could be. I don't know if it's what you're talking about, but Woodland was among a list of "favorite small Central Valley downtowns" by the editors of the California Planning and Development Report, a Ventura-based newsletter. The publication is doing a series of “Best Small Downtowns" of California’s cities smaller than 75,000 people.
http://www.cp-dr.com/node/1934
It's nice to be recognized, for sure. In fact Dead Cat Alley was awarded the Best of 2007, Public Art Installation by Solano Magazine's staff.
http://www.solanomag.com/Solano-Magazine/August-September-2007/Best-of-2007/Best-of-2007-Public-Art-Installation/
Uh..was that before "Tony the Tiger" bail bonds hung out it's shingle in the downtown area?
One of the most popular old towns in California is State Street in Santa Barbara. We have more downtown parking lots they they do. What can Woodland learn from its success? Check it out: http://www.davestravelcorner.com/articles/santabarbara/State-Street.htm
7:26
Hey... maybe there's a Kellogg Grant in the future!
http://www.ncruralcenter.org/news/pr.asp?ReleaseID=136
9:38
Mix of businesses, use of side streets, pedestrian friendly and local flavor... not to mention 90,000 people and SB is on the Pacific Ocean. Sounds like a good formula. I'd like to keep the stucco tower buildings down south, however.
Ha ha...good luck. Anita is the next to the most divisive and negative business owner downtown. That proposal is DOA!
Even if Woodland is not a vacation destination like Santa Barbara, or a college town like Davis, something drastic must be done to fix downtown so that it doesn't become like Isleton's downtown. Any successful downtown models out there, anyone?
For the Anon poster who commented "Anita is the next to the most divisive and negative business owner downtown."
4/22/08 9:05 PM
Seems to me that you are the negative one. While I may not agree with Anita on some of her view points at least she is doing something.
9:05,
Divisive and negative, HMMM
She has been the one in support of the downtown's progress. She has been the MOST positive in this movement. I would think "negative" would be AGAINST. Anita is FOR the progress, in favor of downtown merchants moving forward.
Divisive??? If you mean taking notices of events, meetings, and Holiday activities to the merchants, I would say you have missed it on that one, as well. Anita puts her own money and time in support of downtown events and activities.
I think your assessment of her is in-correct.
Keep up the tremendous effort, Anita, Woodland's downtown depends on hard working people just like you :)
A couple of examples of downtowns we might want to copy are Pleasanton and Sunnyvale. True, both are in the Bay area, but Pleasanton is a lot like Woodland. They have the Alameda County fair grounds there, land-locked as it is here, and they have older as well as newer residential development. They've kept a lot of the original buildings in the downtown core. One motel was re-done into a commercial court off the main street, they use their alley ways and side streets for shops, restaurants, and outdoor dining. On a Sunday the place is hopping. It's become its own destination. They also have a cute park and creek about three blocks off the main street where they have music in the evenings through the summer. Fourth of July the place is packed. Just about all the shops are open Sundays. The pedestrian use is great- with benches and shade trees- lots of people on the streets and eating in the restaurants. Woodland has a lot of the same things going for it, or it could with some effort, but one thing we need is more - Pleasanton doesn't rely on just a few blocks- they have about 7-8 blocks plus side streets- sort of a critical mass if you will- of restaurant and shopping opportunities. I'm hopeful the renovated Porter and the Capitol Saloon buildings will help bring more and different businesses down town. Also when the City Lofts project builds at Main and Walnut, that will expand the downtown experience more to the west. If Hoblit moves and takes their fleet cars with them, that opens up a block on the south side of Main at 5th, as well as Main at 3rd. These are opportunities for downtown improvements few other cities our size can point to.
Martie Dote
9:33 - I agree, Anita is trying to get things done.
Martie - Thanks for the examples! I'll do some research and find some links.
Martie,
A couple of renovated old buildings does not provide enough incentive for new retailers to locate here. Providing space at Hoblit does not invite a business either. Building the lofts (whenever that gets started) does not mean that magically new retail will follow. Basically "space" is something our downtown has plenty of.
What ideas do you have for bringing these new retailers to Woodland? What can the City Council or City staff do to show new retail that Woodland is "open for business"?
Currently, freeway and thru traffic creates a congestion on Main Street that keeps locals from visiting what few shops have survived.
What are your feelings on the In-liew parking fees? Parking downtown is a real trick most of the times. Too many County, City, and retail employees use the current parking spaces.
Thanks,
Red
I have to laugh at the comments about Anita. I've known the many negative things that she has done over the years with her buddy from down the street. If you think she's trying to get things done it's because you're in with her politically. She's been very negative and counter-productive downtown. She should go back to Davis where she lives and leave the downtown for more positive people.
Hi Red - someone asked about other downtowns, not Santa Barbara, and what they had done to improve their appeal. I was only supplying examples. The redevelopment in Pasadena is another example that comes to mind, across from the conference center. Great mixed use development, apartments on the third floors, shops and restaurants on the ground and second floors, place is always busy. The lofts is a good project because it has residential on the upper floor, and an underground garage for residents. They say they already have interested restaurants asking about locating there. Same with the Porter Building - that is going to be a fantastic location when they finish with it. Capitol Saloon has residential on the top floor as well. If you look at the second and third floors of other buildings downtown you realize that was a standard mode- retail and office on the ground floor, apartments above. People resided downtown, which meant business customers were built into the location. What planners have re-discovered is that there are people who want to live in the urban experience instead of the sub-urban - they want to live where there are restaurants, shopping (non-big box), entertainment, cultural and social venues close to their homes. They aren't into the back yard and BBQ thing, but are happy with smaller quarters in exchange for proximity to things they value. Places that recognize the paradigm change and catch that wave will prosper.
The problem with parking downtown has always been the same, and it's caused by the same thing that makes downtown so unique. The historical buldings that make it a special place cannot be torn down to build parking lots. It's a classic Catch 22. Parking has to be remote, or located on the few sites than can be re-developed, such as the Hoblit lot or the Century lot, where the lofts project is going. When you talked about congestion I was thinking about PF Chang and Mikuni in Sacramento, on 16th St. A more crowded street you can't imagine, yet they prosper - they have valet parking. Actually for Cranstons and Savory and Steve's the lots between Main and Lincoln work really well. For Ludy's, Fat Cat, the Opera House and Paco's, the First St. lot or the one at College and First works.
Martie Dote
Sorry, I meant College and Court. Martie
8:34
Considering your comment is not very positive, why don't you join the group so that you can steer it in the negative direction you want it to go.
Thank you Martie,
I own one of those downtown businesses. Pedestrian traffic continues to decrease while auto traffic keeps speeding along Main Street.
There is little parking during peak lunch and dinner hours for those of us who do not own a restaurant.
Employees from many downtown locations park behind Steves. The City/County employees rotate parking spaces every two hours. On a daily basis I hear my customers tell me they had to circle the block multiple times to get to my store.
You are running for City Council. I asked you two questions that pertain directly to the plight of the downtown business community. I did not get an answer for either.
1. What ideas do you have for bringing these new retailers to Woodland? What can the City Council or City staff do to show new retail that Woodland is "open for business"?
And 2. What are your feelings on the In-liew parking fees? Parking downtown is a real trick most of the times. Too many County, City, and retail employees use the current parking spaces.
Finally, People wont just magically appear in these newly renovated buildings downtown. They will need shops, entertainment, and restaurants to frequent. To my knowledge we do not have any businesses downtown offering "valet" parking, do we?
Red
The city can't advertise for you. Get off your rump and pay for advertising.
9:59
The city paying for advertising was not an option on the survey. There are certain things the city can facilitate or step-aside on - like the directories and signage issues that will help downtown businesses.
Red -
I think you are being very unfair to employees who dare to park downtown.
For one thing, I believe the City employees at City Hall use the two lots on Court Street that offer 10-hour parking.
For another - why would you assume that employees who have the gall to take up parking places aren't patronizing the businesses downtown? I'll bet that a great deal of downtown patronage comes from people who work in the area.
Frankly, for years, I was a captive audience before I retired. I spent a lot dollars in restaurants, antique stores, giftstores and the like over many years.
Nowadays? Well, let's say that I don't find much to buy in the area any longer and have moved on - NOT because of lack of parking - but lack of any business that would attrack my attention.
9:59, I spend between 12-15% of my net profits on advertising currently. National standard is near 5-7%. The successful businesses in Woodland do not rely on advertising.
10:27, Many of our regular customers work and own businesses downtown. They ALL share with me the concerns of lack of parking. My neighbor across the street gets an average of three $40. parking tickets per week. City workers are the worst offenders. Just ask them.
You are correct in making the assumption, "I'll bet that a great deal of downtown patronage comes from people who work in the area." 80-90% of our customers come from the downtown currently. I would like to attract the customer such as yourself who do not Nowadays.
Your comment, "Well, let's say that I don't find much to buy in the area any longer and have moved on" supports my opinion that Woodland's Downtown needs to attract new businesses.
I suggest that you would re-consider visiting some of the businesses in the downtown area. Please ask the merchants how they feel about the automobile traffic. Ask them about the parking (maybe even where they park).
Red
7:07 Dino: I've done far more than you and your little band of "our way or the highway" zealots. Don't argue with people who were there before you Dino. Just makes you look ignorant and defensive.
8:07
Yeah? You're lookin' pretty good right now, yourself.
Too bad you can't really brag about all your great accomplishments or you'll reveal yourself.
It's probably best you just continue to pop off without taking any responsibility for your actions or your mouth.
Wow and to think I almost missed this comment or opinion.
"7:07 Dino: I've done far more than you and your little band of "our way or the highway" zealots"
I must give my thanks to you.
1. For helping put backward benches on Main Street.
2. For laying down bricks in the heritage plaza that create a gigantic hot spot in the downtown and helps keep people from loitering there.
3. Spending money on a represenative that did nothing for the downtown and now what are they doing once the money dried up to help downtown?
4. Bad mouthing others for creating events that draw hundreds of people to the downtown.
5. So do we thank you for being the most helpful person(s) for the downtown if you leave us your name maybe we could submit it again for Woodlander of the month.
Wow, 8:07, do you really mean to take credit for all the failure we have currently in our suffering downtown economy?
Dino has explained on the Woodland Journal before that he has NO band of anything or anyone in our downtown. He is a participant with other downtown merchants. These same merchants are putting their time and even own money to the progress of our downtown.
Dino came in my store with a survey put together from a variety of sources. Anita visits our store to drop off notices of meetings etc. There is also quite a variety of business owners and operators who volunteer to support the few businesses that remain.
Because you claim to have been here before Dino, have you ever thought that maybe it is YOU and your OLD ways that got us in this mess?
I would think you are pretty embarrased by now huh?
Oh yea, terribly embarrassed by all the ignorant opinions expressed here. Nothing was ever done right till your gang got here!
I can't stop laughing.
I hate taxes.
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