Attachment 3 - Communication from the Chamber regarding Grays LaneDate: January 11, 2022
To: Monica Renn
From: Catherine Somers
Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce
RE: Gray’s Lane and the placemaking possibilities the space offers as a public
space with outdoor dining.
The Chamber would like to thank the Council for revisiting the Gray’s Lane original
parklet proposal and for understanding that perhaps there is more we can do to
ensure that space becomes the centerpiece in the entire downtown parklet
program.
In order for that space to be the central focus, we suggest the following to be
considered in your discussion next Tuesday evening.
•Some “Continuity and consistency” between this public space and the
other parklets, ie: the rod iron fencing, the planters, the base and the color
palate.
•The floor or base of the entire park needs to be one level with ADA
accessible ramps installed at either end. In other words, it should not look like
a street transformed into a Park. Make it special and unique.
•The dining could be contiguous to the restaurant establishments to
maximize the middle common space for public use or Council determines that
they want less public space and the restaurants utilize the majority of the
space with their own enclosed parklets.
•Council with the help of the Town’s Engineering staff
should research sound minimizing options for the south end of the Park.
•The Town ‘could’ invest in hiring an Landscape Architect or Urban Designer
whose main responsibility is to develop this space as the centerpiece of the
whole Parklet Program together. The Hero Ranch Kitchen owners are working
with the architectural firm, Arcanum, who has drawn up a few different
options. They may want to take the lead on setting the look and feel for this
space.
The biggest question that continues to arise is whether or not we should be
planning for the long term “Downtown Streetscape Plan” or are we simply in
“stop gap” mode. If we are in the stop gap mindset, perhaps we do just do what
ATTACHMENT 3
is and cost effective right now and revisit space in a few years? Council needs to
discuss and decide.
• Restaurant establishments that reside on Gray’s Lane will select their own
furniture and umbrellas, etc. and will be responsible for keeping their areas
clean, sanitized and maintained.
• The space should be flexible so that various daily uses may be considered
before the restaurants open.
Thanks again to the Council for taking a second look at Gray’s Lane and dreaming
bigger and better. We look forward to having a few speakers at next Tuesday’s
meeting to help frame the discussion around this public space and what can be
done with it that will enhance the charm and character of our entire downtown.