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BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION Parklets are small, public open spaces, usually occupying an on-street parking space. Parklets are often created where narrow or congested sidewalks prevent the installation of traditional sidewalk cafes, or where the community identifies a need to expand public space on a street. They provide a public space to eat, interact, and/or relax, and are typically a cost-effective means of increasing open space in busy commercial areas. While their primary purpose is to benefit the public, parklets support local businesses by enhancing the pedestrian environment, which may increase pedestrian volume and business activity. In addition, parklets can encourage traffic calming and improve accessibility and walkability. Parklets have been successfully installed in communities throughout the Bay Area including Lafayette and Berkeley. A bicycle corral is a group of on-street bike racks installed adjacent to the curb. Bicycle corrals can replace one car parking space with 8-16 bicycle parking spaces. Corrals can accommodate a high number of bicycles without impeding pedestrian walkways. They are useful in areas with narrow sidewalks, outdoor dining, and high levels of pedestrian activity. Like parklets, bicycle corrals may increase pedestrian volume and business activity, and stretch a limited parking supply by encouraging alternate means of traveling to commercial centers. Existing Policies There are a number of existing City of Pleasanton policies that support installation of a parklet and bicycle corral in the Downtown, including the following: • General Plan Community Character Element (Policy 4): Enhance the Downtown as a focus of community activity. m General Plan Circulation Element (Policy 22): Create and maintain a safe, convenient, and effective bicycle system which encourages increased bicycle use. • Downtown Specific Plan (Land Use Objective 5): To encourage the creation of publicly accessible mini-plazas along Main Street. • Downtown Specific Plan (Transportation Goal 2): Encourage the use of public transit, bicycles, trails, regional measures, and transportation demand management strategies as alternatives to the use of motor vehicles and to help manage traffic congestion in the Downtown. • Downtown Design Guidelines (p.26): Outdoor sitting and dining areas encouraged. • Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan (Policy 2-1): Ensure secure, adequate, and easily accessible bike parking at destinations throughout Pleasanton. • Complete Streets Policy Proposed Location The parklet is proposed on the north side of West Angela Street at the northwest corner of West Angela and Main streets, at a location with a congested, narrow sidewalk. The parklet will be installed in the location of two on-street parking spaces. The parklet will be open for public use and Café Main will be able to serve food on the parklet if their Page 2 of 4