Attachment 2 - Additional Public CommentFrom:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Date:
Jim Foley
Council; Clerk
Catherine Somers; Randi Chen; Monica Renn; Sue Farwell; Joe Pirzynski; Andrea Romano; Brian Bernasconi;
Kevin Youkilis
American Rescue Act Funds - Suggested Uses
Thursday, April 1, 2021 11:27:35 AM
Dear Honorable Mayor and Distinguished Members of Town Council,
The Chamber Board has reviewed possible uses for the American Recovery Plan Act funds that Los
Gatos will receive in the next 60 days. While we understand there are many ideas that will be
brought forth by the Town staff and other stakeholders and members of the public, we encourage
the Council to think seriously about using some of the money for real economic recovery and vitality
projects for our downtown, as vetted by the business community represented by our membership.
We propose the following efforts:
1.Parklets - $1MM - complete funding for all costs to construct semi-permanent parklets,
including reimbursing the original five previously constructed semi-permanent parklets in full.
Also, reimbursing a certain amount for the temporary parklets.
2.Events - $250k – budget to catch up on events the Town has missed. The events would scale
up along with the restrictions. Starting with smaller “non gathering” events including
Thursday street closure, then move to smaller block parties, then finally to something
significant in the Fall. Efforts will be in place to ensure that events are welcoming and
inclusive of all.
3.Parking - TBD – Funding should be readily available to quickly implement all aspects of the
Dixon study. Funds can be used right now for wayfinding signage and apps; even if only
temporarily. Funds can also be considered for an Employee Parking Permit program and
potentially an employee mini-shuttle (golf cart or small electric vehicle). The mini-shuttle
could potentially be expanded to assist visitors as well. This will help unlock the underutilized
parking inventory in the outer lying lots as pointed out in the Dixon study. This is critical in
conjunction with the reduction of inventory on N Santa Cruz Ave and Main St that will result
from the new parklets. Lastly, a Town Trolley pilot program to move people around Town to
encourage and connect different dining and shopping districts more easily, in a fun and
memorable way!
Thank you so much for your time and consideration of these requests. We look forward to seeing
you on Tuesday night. In the meantime if you have any questions, please reach out to any one of us
copied.
Jim Foley
Director/Chair
Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce Board/Subcommittee on Legislative Affairs & Economic Vitality
ATTACHMENT 2