PC 05/20/1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

~ Freedman. It was noted that the Design Review Board strongly r; mmended that irrigation be included. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Al Bronzini, business owner at 719 Main Street, stated that he, too, had taken a tour of Mountain View. He discussed the matter of flexible zones and tree with Mr. Freedman. He questioned whether flexible zones are not directed more towards restaurant businesses rather than other types of business. Mr. Freedman stated that the c ncept is designed for most any type of business. He noted that the concept appears to in rease business in a downtown area even though certain businesses may choose not to u the flexible zone. He further stated that towns have discovered that street vendors help 0 er businesses. He indicated that in particular stronger outdoor eating areas enhance th quantity of shoppers to other businesses. In response to Mr. Bronzini's concern, Commissioner Horan stated Washington D.C. any number of times and it appears that flexible that area. at he has been to nes work very well in Mr. Bronzini expressed concern that dirt and stains would be track! the use of flexible zones, and that interlocking pavers would be har Mr. Freedman noted that concrete with color could be used in orde of tracking oil. into stores more with to clean of stains, etc. to minimize the problem Mr. Bronzini expressed some concern that lack of adequate parking could be a problem should the downtown business pick up greatly, as at Mountain Vie . He further stated that he does like the project concept, but has concerns about the flexibl zone. He also expressed concern that if flexible zones are utilized that the planters might get damaged, or sidewalk furniture might be vandalized or debris scattered about, as he had n ticed this had happened in Mountain View. He noted that one Chinese restaurant owner in Mountain View who had a flexible zone had "complained" that with increased business he ha to hire more help. Ioyce Getty, 925 Kottinger Drive, commented that she felt that mo attention should be focused on considering Option C, rather than options the City coul not afford. She also expressed concern that at times of the year when heat or cold is in nse that the flexible zones would simply not be utilized. She noted she had spent a mo th in Europe where flexible zones are used extensively, and felt they might work but so e adjustments need to be made to suit this area. She felt that the eating areas should be n xt to the buildings. She favored having the planters on the sidewalk so they would not have to be moved should a flexible zone be changed to angled parking; she further stated she p efers Option C with a wider sidewalk and did not mind having the trees near the center 0 the street. She noted that she had served on the Chamber of Commerce, but this was he personal preference. Gary Dove, 5267 Meadow Wood Court, stated that he has served the Task Force, and also that he had visited Mountain View, but before they had compl ted renovation. He felt ~ Special Meeting - Minutes Planning Commission May 20, 1992 Page 5