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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5A Public CommentAnthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Attachments: Carlos Reyes <gotcarlos@gmail.com> Monday, May 31, 2021 12:21 PM City Clerk Village Fest 300 Block Business Card ARTFX Palm Springs.png; PSP 2021 Villagefest.docx NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. I am a merchant on the 300 Block and others agree with the following letter submitted by Mr. Matt Robinson and I was wondering if this dream could become a reality? I have attached his letter below which covers the issue precisely. Thank you, Carlos Reyes Cell 619-990-5683 ARTFX Palm Springs 1 '5\t 1\L\ ITEM No. ~ A-ft,t v~-c Cmi wnt City of Palm Springs: Dr. David Ready, City Manager Geoff Kors, Mayor Subject: Villagefest. I am excited to see the return of Villagefest is on the City Council agenda. Villagefest was created in 1991 during a slow economy to draw weekend drive market tourists in a day earlier by offering a Thursday night event. One issue I have always considered a flaw was by lining the west and east curbs with vendor booths, the brick and mortar merchants are hidden behind the event not a part of the event. Moving many of the vendors off Palm Canyon back in the City Center District you are further pulling attendees away from our local merchants. The City of Palm Springs has bent over backwards to assist restaurants, I would like to see a outdoor display guideline that permits retailers to set up a outdoor display (not outdoor sales). I would like to propose a phase one layout that runs Palm Canyon Drive from Alejo Road south to Tahquitz Canyon/ Amado Road would remain OPEN to cross traffic, and pedestrians would be funneled to the crosswalks to cross Amado. A single HY A TT and PUBLIC PARKING would run from Amado to the garage entrance, The Hyatt valet would remain open but exit thru the parking garage, the parking garage entrance remains open. This right turn lane would be done with the water filled k-rail formerly used at the La Plaza loop. Andreas would be closed from Indian Canyon thru Belardo Road for vendors. Museum Way would be closed from Palm Canyon Drive to Belardo Road for vendors. Phase one would end at Tahquitz Canyon Drive. Phase two would continue the center row of vendor booths, Arenas OPEN for access to public parking and access into the Tennis Club neighborhood. Baristo would be open from Indian Canyon west for access to public parking and access into the Tennis Club neighborhood. Perhaps the Pitts would consider closing La Plaza parking lot during Villagefest, creating a pedestrian promenade in La Plaza would benefit retailers in the center and remove a u-turn loop out on to Palm Canyon. Electrical power is an issue west of Palm canyon or north of Amado. I believe power is available at the top of most banner poles. This is where I address the mom and pop businesses moving from behind the event to inside the event. Instead if two rows of booths with about twenty-five feet of crowded pedestrian space, I propose a single row of vendors down the center of Palm Canyon Drive open on the west and east sides of each booth, they would be in clusters of four to eight booths side by side followed by a gap of 30+ feet open space. This layout of a single row of booths with a loop pattern for pedestrians means the open area for pedestrians starts at the storefront thru the parking lane and one traffic lane. By adding the sidewalk into the event we will have approximately twenty-five open space on both sides of the center row of booths. My test period for power down the center of the road would be using the holiday light plugs at the top of the banner poles, use a extension cord real with four plugs strung overhead to a ten foot pole in a water filled patio umbrella base. This would place four plugs in every cluster of booths. Overhead wiring would all come from one side, this leaves a traffic lane and parking lane on one side with on overhead obstructions for emergency vehicles. I'm accommodating cross traffic for a specific reason, I would like the first Thursday of each month kick off a mock holiday weekend "Palm Springs WEEKEND ONE" The roads would remain closed till Monday, Villagefest vendors OR local retailers could take to the streets Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If this proved successful, I would consider installing tubular rail double gates on Palm Canyon at Alejo, Amado, Tahquitz, Arenas and Baristo for simplifying closures which could include holiday weekends. Please extend the north boundary from Amado up to Alejo. Perhaps the Economic Development Department could make some phone calls to businesses north of Alejo to see if they see that expansion in to the 300 north block would benefit them. I see Villagefest as one component of a masterplan that can close streets on weekends that call for more open space. Sincerely: Matt Robinson THE UN,QUE DISTRICTS CREATING ONE SHOPPING EXP.EIIENCE LIKE NO PLACE ELSE PALM SPRINGS Promotions Matt Robinson Loving the districts of Palm Springs like they are my own! May 26, 2021 7610 Calle Mazamitla, Palm Springs CA 92264 GuvlnPalmSorinas@amail .com 760/567-0473 City of Palm Springs: Dr. David Ready, City Manager Geoff Kors, Mayor Subject: Villagefest. Greetings: I am excited to see the return of Villagefest is on the City Council agenda. Villagefest was created in 1991 during a slow economy to draw weekend drive market tourists in a day earlier by offering a Thursday night event. One issue I have always considered a flaw was by lining the west and east curbs with vendor booths, the brick and mortar merchants are hidden behind the event not a part of the event. Moving many of the vendors off Palm Canyon back in the City Center District you are further pulling attendees away from our local merchants. The City of Palm Springs has bent over backwards to assist restaurants, I would like to see a outdoor display guideline that permits retailers to set up a outdoor display (not outdoor sales). I would like to propose a phase one layout that runs Palm Canyon Drive from Alejo Road south to Tahquitz Canyon/ Amado Road would remain OPEN to cross traffic, and pedestrians would be funneled to the crosswalks to cross Amado. A single HY A TT and PUBLIC PARKING would run from Amado to the garage entrance, The Hyatt valet would remain open but exit thru the parking garage, the parking garage entrance remains open. This right turn lane would be done with the water filled k-rail formerly used at the La Plaza loop. Andreas would be closed from Indian Canyon thru Belardo Road for vendors. Museum Way would be closed from Palm Canyon Drive to Belardo Road for vendors. Phase one would end at Tahquitz Canyon Drive. Phase two would continue the center row of vendor booths, Arenas OPEN for access to public parking and access into the Tennis Club neighborhood. Baristo would be open from Indian Canyon west for access to public parking and access into the Tennis Club neighborhood. Perhaps the Pitts would consider closing La Plaza parking lot during Villagefest, creating a pedestrian promenade in La Plaza would benefit retailers in the center and remove a u-turn loop out on to Palm Canyon. Electrical power is an issue west of Palm canyon or north of Amado. I believe power is available at the top of most banner poles. This is where I address the mom and pop businesses moving from behind the event to inside the event. Instead if two rows of booths with about twenty-five feet of crowded pedestrian space, I propose a single row of vendors down the center of Palm Canyon Drive open on the west and east sides of each booth, they would be in clusters of four to eight booths side by side followed by a gap of 30+ feet open space. This layout of a single row of booths with a loop pattern for pedestrians means the open area for pedestrians starts at the storefront thru the parking lane and one traffic lane. By adding the sidewalk into the event we will have approximately twenty-five open space on both sides of the center row of booths. My test period for power down the center of the road would be using the holiday light plugs at the top of the banner poles, use a extension cord real with four plugs strung overhead to a ten foot pole in a water filled patio umbrella base. This would place four plugs in every cluster of booths. Overhead wiring would all come from one side, this leaves a traffic lane and parking lane on one side with on overhead obstructions for emergency vehicles. I'm accommodating cross traffic for a specific reason, I would like the first Thursday of each month kick off a mock holiday weekend II Palm Springs WEEKEND ONE" The roads would remain closed till Monday, Villagefest vendors OR local retailers could take to the streets Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If this proved successful, I would consider installing tubular rail double gates on Palm Canyon at Alejo, Amado, Tahquitz, Arenas and Baristo for simplifying closures which could include holiday weekends. Please extend the north boundary from Amado up to Alejo. Perhaps the Economic Development Department could make some phone calls to businesses north of Alejo to see if they see that expansion in to the 300 north block would benefit them. I see Villagefest as one component of a masterplan that can close streets on weekends that call for more open space. Sincerely: Matt Robinson Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Subject: Thomas Ledwith <thomas_m_ledwith@yahoo.com > Monday, May 24, 2021 3:07 PM Lisa Middleton; Geoff Kors; Dennis Woods; Christy Holstege; Grace Garner; Anthony Mejia May 27, 2021 city council NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. To All, I am extremely excited to see "Village Fest" 5.A on the Agenda. I ask all members on the city council to please "Support " allowing village fest back and to restart. Sincerely, Thomas M Ledwith 2701 E Mesquite Ave Palm Springs Sent from my iPhone 1 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: LetsAll@GoBananas.net Thursday, May 20, 2021 9:09 PM City Clerk abig@kidatheart.com; 'Carl Baker' 2021-05-27 City Council -Agenda Item 5.A. -VillageFest NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Dear City Council and Staff, Please require as a condition of the return of the Villagefest event, that it must bes Smoke- Free event, no exceptions. There is no good argument to support smoking in public spaces. This requirement/action is long, Long, LONG, LONG 111 overdue. Now is your chance to get it DONEi Thank you, Bob Heinbaugh and Pesky Paul Hinrichsen -Upper West Side NOrg -Leadership 1 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Kathleen <kstrukoff@aol.com> Saturday, May 22, 2021 9:18 PM City Clerk Subject: Reimagining Village Fest NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. I understand that reopening Village fest is on the city Council agenda for this Thursday's meeting. I cannot attend but wanted to give some input. It seems like a great time to reimagine an event that has been very successful for years and potentially make it more successful for the City. It seems like if there was a way to have it on Wednesday nights instead of Thursdays when there aren't as many competing things. Also to have the vendors be more local artisans. I'm an artist/painter and participated several times but found that it was not worth my effort because there were too many vendors selling inexpensive things and people tend to want to just come for that. Maybe there is a way to elevate the event. One of the things we don't have in Palm Springs is a monthly art walk and perhaps there's a way to combine that with village fast and use the lawn at the Desert art center for fine artists to display. Maybe that would make more sense as part of an Experience Palm Springs Thursday night so we can also highlight our local brick and mortar galleries and stores (and restaurants for that matter) that carry art. If we used the Desert Art Center lawn it wouldn't require shutting down any streets. Plus people could come into the Desert Art Center that evening and enjoy the beautiful gallery that has all been renovated. Kathleen Strukoff (443) 742-7678 Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS 1 Anthony Mejia From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Jeffrey B. <jeffrey@destinationpsp.com> Friday, May 21, 2021 10:59 AM Anthony Mejia; Justin Clifton Geoff Kors; Christy Holstege; Lisa Middleton; Dennis Woods; Grace Garner; adrianalcantar@me.com; Kimberleigh Funkey; dean@blackbookbar.com; Mindy Reed; Liz Ostoich; Brandon Lindley; Kevin Kemper (H3K Design); ryann@fitin42 .com; kelly@wilmafrieda.com; Tad Green; Cat Slater; denise@thepalmspringshotel.com; Michael Slate; 'christine.soto@gmail.com' Public Comment on Agenda Item SA, May 27, 2021 City Council Meeting NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs --DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe. Please accept the below as Public Comment on Agenda Item SA on the City Council Meeting for May 27, 2021. We realize there was a Village Fest Board Meeting on May 18, however it does not appear that Village Fest Board Meetings are part of the City's E-notification system, nor are Minutes or Videos of past meetings posted online. So there appears to have been little opportunity for input. Mayor Christy Holstege Mayor Pro Tern Middleton Councilmember Garner Councilmember Kors Councilmember Woods City Manager Clifton Dear All: The Palm Springs Roundtable is a group of local Palm Springs business owners representing a variety of sectors: retail, restaurants, bars, salons, gyms/studios and small hotels. Our businesses are established in various areas throughout Palm Springs. We have come together with the understanding that although we have different issues and concerns our common goal is in the success of Palm Springs and our community as a whole. Our group was formed to act as an advisory group. Most of us are active in other organizations. Our goal is not to compete or replace them, but rather complement them and create understanding of how we are affected differently by issues we face and work together to bring us all up. We aim to address specific issues, gain consensus within our group and industries, and engage with City officials to create positive, constructive solutions. We are hoping we can meet with you soon to discuss the ideas below and others we have. First on our agenda is Village Fest. We see this as a time to reinvent a very popular and successful event instead of just restarting it exactly as it was. Village Fest achieved its initial goal of expanding the weekend to include Thursday and is a profit center for the City. Residents and tourists love it./ I However, many local businesses on and off Palm Canyon have had mixed experiences and are °? Z1 /2{)1 ( 1 ITEM No. 5A f~blic L Cornm ~r looking to build up other slower nights of the week instead of making what is now an already busy night busier. We have come up with a solution which we believe is a win-win: Move Village Fest to Wednesday night • Thursday is already a busy night. Wednesday is our slowest night • Those outside the footprint of Village Fest are hurt by the traffic and parking issues. Many in the footprint are hurt by the parking issues, the crowds keeping people away from their businesses, and with the lack of exposure from the vendors blocking their business entrances and storefronts. This could be minimized in part by moving it to a less busy night. For example, areas like Arenas find their parking on Thursday (what is the start of their weekend) taken up by Village Fest attendees • Wednesday will now extend the week even further, with many still working remotely we think this would interest them to stay that extra night. • Without large events and conventions soon, a mid -week attraction is ideal • The Palm Springs Art Museum has their free City-sponsored community night on Thursdays. Without Village Fest it will be easier for the Community to attend. They have indicated a preference for Wednesday. • City Council meetings are on Thursdays and have many issues relevant to local businesses and it is impossible for most owner-run businesses to not be at work on Thursday Focus on Local / Curate the Event • We need to focus on local businesses • We propose locally owned Palm Springs brick and mortar businesses to have priority (whether or not they are in the footprint) • Then open it up to valley wide merchants • Lastly, if there are not enough vendors consider the travelling vendors • At this point our goal should be to support our local 7-days-a-week businesses • Do all we can to ensure that Village Fest vendors do not directly compete with existing merchants • Work to improve the quality and variety of merchants just as has occurred with our brick and mortar • There needs to be some financial consideration for retailers who are asked to pay for Village Fest booths in parking spaces, as these parking spaces were offered free to restaurants Create a New Event on Thursdays • We know some local businesses thrive during Village Fest • We don't want to lose Thursday to other Desert Cities • Vacation rentals, a key revenue sector like to have a Thursday event to sell • While there are some Conventions and Conferences that center evenings around Village Fest, they could have two options • We need to create an event that doesn't cause traffic and parking issues • We propose an Experience Palm Springs Thursday where we highlight our existing retail, dining, services, attractions, and events. This is essentially a branding and marketing exercise. • We can use other open spaces such as the Downtown Park when it is completed, but avoid closing any streets Improve Parking Wayfinding 2 lTEM NO. ___ _ • We feel there is an urgent need to address parking as events such as Village Fest, Tour de Palm Springs and other larger events return, and it is likely that parklets will remain • Palm Springs does have ample parking that often is underutilized. • A comprehensive employee parking solution will ease some burden on the streets (we have ideas on this) • Branding the parking structures and positioning them as an attraction combined with improved wayfinding (whether signage or human directors during events) is essential and a relatively easy immediate solution • Perhaps a Geo Targeted Message telling people where parking is or special events happening around them Limit Village Fest to Tahguitz to Amado • If parklets remain (and we support them and love the new vibe downtown), Village Fest will need to be reconfigured in this post COVID world to continue safely reopening • A limited footprint for Village Fest on Palm Canyon will reduce traffic and parking issues for other others • There are currently no parklets on Tahquitz to Amado and we can more easily direct visitors to the underground parking (and potentially the Agua Caliente Parking) Thank you for your time. We look forward to working with you as we work to continue making Palm Springs the World Class Place to Be. Adrian Alcantar, Adrian Alcantar Hair Studio & Spa Jeffrey Bernstein, Destination PSP Denise Evangelatos, The Palm Springs Hotel Kimberleigh Funkey, Power Yoga Palm Springs Tad Green, Palm Springs Fine Mens Salon Kevin Kemper, H3K Dean Lavine, Blackbook Brandon Lindley, Havaianas Palm Springs Kelly McFall, Wilma & Frieda Ryann McMillan, Fit in 42 Liz Ostoich, Farm & Tac/Quila Mindy Reed, Zin American Bistro & Revel Public House Michael Slate, Elevate Palm Springs Cat Slater, Iconic Atomic Christine Soto, Dead or Alive Bar and Shop 3