AgdaPkt 2019-10-14 Joint SA PFA - Laserfiche WebLink

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8.A. - Page 4 of 56 • Temporary displays of art and advertising in windows of vacant storefronts can help enliven streets. Temporary retail or restaurant uses in vacant or underutilized spaces (typically referred to as pop up retail) allows new retail concepts to be tested and also attracts new customers. • Consistent design for signage (parking, directional and storefronts), streetscape improvements, and sidewalk dining should create a vibrant Downtown for visitors, residents and workers. Use of the public right-of-way for improvements, loading /unloading, passenger drop off, streetscape and sidewalk dining need to be evaluated further due to the potential loss of parking spaces that support retail businesses. • Adequate parking ideally within a block of retail businesses is critical to attracting and sustaining retail and restaurants in the Downtown Core. • Ensuring that retail space in new mixed use projects is appropriately designed to meet the needs of retail tenants will attract stronger retail and reduce long-term vacancies. Community Outreach On April 15, 2019 in collaboration with the Downtown Business Group, City Staff hosted a Downtown Retail Task Force Community Meeting. Over 35 participants attended the meeting and feedback from the attendees aligned with many of the Task Force's draft findings and recommendations: • Ensure existing City codes are correct/up to date and being enforced • Provide short-term/ drop-off pick-up parking spaces • Explore incentives that would encourage developers to work with small business • Rent is too high for retail stores in the downtown • 30-40 individual 'shops' inside like a Farmer's Market Store or bazaar may work in the former Cost Plus Space • Banks on corners in the downtown are not a good idea • The City needs to adopt policies that support businesses • The City should explore rent subsidies for retail stores • The City should look into penalties for store vacancies • There are "offices" along Main St that are not being used as offices; many of the windows have blinds closed and some windows show empty spaces inside. • Move the banks (Wells Fargo, Chase, Union, etc.) and redevelop those sites for retail In addition to the community meeting, staff presented the Retail Task Force's vision and guiding principles to the Redwood City -San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce's Economic Development Committee. Over 20 Committee members attended and provided feedback. Feedback received included concerns around a potential retail storefront vacancy tax, not allowing banks on key corners of the Downtown, and how to address retail policies when dealing with historic buildings. City of Redwood City 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA. 94063 Tel: 650-780-7000 www.redwoodcity.ore 224