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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/19/2008 - STAFF REPORTS - 00 From the desk of: W e4gzU r(3 M44-K04Vn/ 691 N. Belardo Road Palm Springs, CA 92262 (760) 325-0277 FAX: 325-8228 email: wbkms@=Lcom To: The Mayor and City Council of Palm Springs Palm Springs City Staff Subject: "Re-packaging" as a first step to RE-Market Downtown Palm Springs Date: March 19", 2008 Summary: As any marketing strategist would tell you, Councilman Mills was correct in his assumption that all marketing plans begin with the creation or recreation of a "product" to establish the appeal to its consumers. When standard brands re- launch or introduce to a new or extended demographic; one that they have targeted to translate into eventual sales, it begins with design or re-design, and the creation of "the brand packaging and image". Comment: Planting at bases of Palm Trees along Palm Canyon: Although, in my twenty years as a resident, 1 have clumsily stumbled, even twisted an ankle ortwo due to the uneven sidewalks and bases of these trees, I do not think that planting, simply planting shrubs and greenery at the base will solve any problems. In a matter of hours, perhaps weeks, these well intended plant beds will be trampled, and the ongoing cost of maintenance and replanting of same will likely exceed the initial cost! Recommendation: LIKED THE IDEA THAT WAS PROPOSED BY COUNCILMAN HUTCHESON: Consider how many counties in this state have "Adopt a Highway" programs. Concurring also with Mayor Pougnet,we are heading into a recession, and tax payer dollars in our budget should be highly guarded. We are also approaching a greater divide between the "haves" and the "have nots". Those who have, can afford to give. Given the strong relationships within our"fund raising community"; inclusive of the relationships with various neighborhood organisations, I think the "Adopt a Tree" concept is an excellent idea. PLANTERS that encase the base of trees should be considered. They could be wooden, and shaded, painted in colors conducive to the overall look, i.e. "Repackaging of the Image of Downtown Palm Springs". This d3�/9 faoa8 �iC3,G/Li L11N7ME�I�T- s ideas creates an opportunity for those in the community who would like to be apart of the "New and Improved" re-creation of Downtown Palm Springs. I also concur with Councilwoman Foat: Uptown is not another city. We need to bridge that gap and create a thematic consistency to appeal to both tourists and locals. All of Palm Canyon should be a part of this uplift! Comment: Vacant stores and Empty Windows: As in any real estate venue, empty is bad. Empty is ugly. Empty brings down th value of property in proximity. Empty lacks attraction. Empty is bad the overall image of our community! Recommendation: AGAIN, I LIKED THE IDEA THAT WAS PROPOSED BY COUNCILMAN HUTCHESON: Fine Art in the Windows! Another part of the science of marketing is trend watching and or creation of trend, There are two main rails of MARKETING TRENDS in this country right now. Just turn on your television, and what do you see? GREEN MARKETING AND GOODWILL MARKETING! If Donald Trump and Oprah Winfrey are hosting shows on Network television,you mustknow that we are already on the right tract with all of the Events and Fund raising that are done in our community, Motivated by same, I propose we are capable to rise to this challenge! Let's turn it up a notch, and make it work for the DOWNTOWN area. Make Fine Art apart of the "repackaging"of our Downtown Corridor. The DPA, in association with the IAFCE (International Arts for Cause Exchange), can .provide what is needed...NOW! Showcasing Fine art in empty windows will enhance the appearance of property available; it my even draw potential clients to the location as future tenants. Beyond that, through our relationship with the IAFCE, if any of the featured works are sold, we can contribute to the Downtown Improvement "Product Redesign" campaign. Currently, we have, in archives, several large framed pieces that can be "loaned" and/or "commissioned" for this effort. IF< IF¢IF, in the Fall, these store locations remain empty, we can consider an additional option: Weekend Galleries that would feature additional works that can provide a cash flow(commission based) income to the property owner(which may even exceed current rent demands),in tandem with continual supportfor Downtown improvement. The DPA, interfacing with the IAFCE are prepared to turn-key an opportunitythat will further enhance Palm Springs as an "Art Community/Destination", whilst raising Goodwill marketing funds to help achieve a new and improved Downtown! RE: THE FOUNTAIN Addendum: Just in case you did not receive this email: PERSONAL NOTE:AS SOMFONE WI.10 HAS NO LESS THAN TWENTY WORKS OF ART IN HER BATHROOM ALONE,1 FIND IT DIFFICULT TO CRITICIZE THE"ARTISTIC VALUE",AS ART IS,AND WILL ALWAYS BE,SUBJECTIVE Wanted to share a few things to consider: Having lived in proximity to this project since its inception, there were a few things not mentioned or considered. Notwithstanding the space it takes away from the park, and the costs that the city has incurred to date, let me share my "observations of concern": LIABILITY: (1) Phase one; when it was "working": I used to refer to this as Jimmy's "sky is falling report", as he was the one who drove past it several times a day and would come home furious about the danger: the kids would swing on the dra in swinging, things,andiump off into the water. Thatwas when it was working. I finally called Jerry and "warned" of POTENTIAL.liability: what would happen if a child was injured? He responded,then, that the city"had no liability as this was a piece of art". HMMM...maybe someone should post a sign to that statement of fact, I thought, and responded. IMAGE: (2) Phase Two: Later, it was used as a daily bath for the homeless who sought to refresh themselves each day. I would find it difficult to believe that the fountain was not a draw to this area for these unfortunate folk. In sum, if the Department of Parks and Recreation continues to host Art Festivals in the park, and these event are not only a bridge between Downtown and Uptown for tourists and locals to attend,that creates a diverse artistic backdrop to the gateway to our downtown, why not give them more room? Why revisit a situation that has already cost this city so much money, and COULD cost the city MUCH more. We were very lucky that no child was injured when the fountain was working. We are very fortunate-to have a community that cares about its homeless population, and seek solutions for same outside the downtown"curb appeal" demands for our local economy. Why risk doing this again? Why not quit while we are ahead in these two areas of liability and image, and use the space to create something bigger and better(the art fairs) that all who visit and live here can enjoy? The fountain has never been a draw to Palm Springs, uptown or downtown. It has never provided anything for our city other than cost, exposure/liability, and an eyesore that takes up too much space that could be better used for the benefit of ALL....at least.,..MORE....with less COST, and removing any potential LIABILITY or IMAGE problem. Something to consider?