FOVEC would like to thank everyone who made the time to respond to our O Cafe Parklet Survey. The results are in, and most of you agreed the parklet should go.
We are now in the process of verifying all the survey responses but the current unverified inputs is:
Tori,
Your survey response was received after we had posted the results above (along with 8 others). The only responses that were "invalidated" were duplicate entries or responses with bad email addresses. I don't have the time to do another full report but of the additional (unvalidated) responses received were:
3 - It is the best use for this space in the Village
1 - It is a good use of this space while Covid is still an issue
4 - It is a poor use of this space and should be removed asap
1 - It would have been a good idea a year ago, but not now
Curious how the eliminated response were "invalidated". After taking the survey I did not notice my answers reflected on the graph and with such a small sample of responses I believe it should have visibly reflected. I also did not receive any email requesting validation of my email.
Keith,
Thank you for the follow up to our phone conversation and the heads up. I appreciate it! I just saw the newsletter, and I must admit that I am taken aback. I understand FOVEC’s position and the need to represent its members, but I need to point out that the language of the survey and the way in which your position is outlined is not consistent with our conversation. The survey is biased because the message that goes with it draws a negative picture of our terrace, and I’m sure you can agree that it is hard to obtain objective feedback when the headline of this survey states that FOVEC opposes it and describes it as unattractive. Moreover, the photo used does not accurately portrait what the parklet looks like, as it shows an unfinished project. We have now added awnings and will continue to refine the looks by adding plants to make it more attractive for the community. The water barriers must stay as a county requirement for public safety.
My dad in good faith made a commitment to FOVEC to provide signage at O Café’s expense to contribute to providing a solution to the parking constraints. I am happy to get more involved in FOVEC efforts representing O Café. However, the verbiage used in this survey does not convey two organizations working together as we discussed over the phone.
We have been discussing about this project for months and we have been quite open about it, nobody until now raised an objection. We went through all the steps to obtain our permits rightfully and legally; we consulted with our neighbors before expanding our outdoor dining space to our storefront parking. I understand that parking is a sensitive issue down the hill in the village, and it has been a problem for decades. However, I cannot understand certain businesses posting signs reserving parking exclusively for their customers despite being on public property. You can check for yourself online on the Sacramento County Assessor Parcel Viewer that most of the parking located in front of stores along Fair Oaks Blvd is within the county right of way. FOVEC has not taken any measures to stop this improper use of the County right of way, but now FOVEC is publicly opposing a properly permitted project, that would only benefit the Village by contributing to the local economy. A customer that goes to O Café might as well buy flowers from Bella Fiore next door, or shop at Bungalow. Riders from the bike trail that stop for a pastry or coffee at our shop, might as well check out Biker Bar.
Our visions for the village might be different, but O Café wants to work along with FOVEC in a positive and amicable atmosphere. I’m afraid the tone and manner this survey was presented is not it.
Sincerely,
O Cafe
We have completed the audit of the survey inputs and have eliminated 7 survey responses because they were either duplicate entries or the email used could not be verified. The final results of the survey are as follows:
Unique responses
A public space should not be used for the singular benefit of a private entity. It must be removed.
Does it have a permit? Possibly acceptable during Covid but otherwise needs review on aesthetics and parking impacts.
Eyesore, parking always needed in gold Fair Oaks
I agree with FOVEC the new structure is an eye sore and should be removed.
I honestly thought there was temporary construction taking place. I flabbergasted...
Is ugly as can be and takes way parking from other stores.
It doesn't seem practical. It has no awning or umbrellas and is far too close to traffic.
Ok while construction so they don’t lose business. Not attractive.
Parking spaces are already limited. I think it's great that they can expand, but they are causing further parking issues. Other businesses are claiming parking spots. Is that even legal?
Post COVID, I don't see the need. It's not attractive and I worry about setting a precedent for other businesses.
Really? I live right here in the village and the unsightly, weed infested temporary fencing …while we wait and wait for improvements is a much more urgent issue that a business that is bringing in many many visitors to our area. As much as it is not an attractive addition, let’s not go after a reason to come to our village. I eat at the Brew Pub and have to look at a disaster area that has sat stagnant for quite some time! Thanks for the opportunity to express myself.
Street Encroachment at this time is ill advised. Street Parking is too important to eliminate
street parking is public right of way, not to be used by private company use/profit; they should have installed the patio on their property behind their building; does it have a county permit? remove!
takes away parking. The design doesn't fit ! Idea good - but needs to be Village agreenent to make the whole street tie into to the plan..
I think it's a good option for this business, who has very limited seating area.
Outdoor seating is a "must have" in Fair Oaks & definitely needed in this end of town!
I like the idea, but the terrace has no personality
I love O Cafe but they could put umbrellas and tables on nearby sidewalk space.
why are you so negative against businesses
Will walk by tomorrow and send follow up :-). Even through construction, the weeds ought to be cleared through the site area, and maybe a couple of nice signs with picture of the artist drawing of "new look " so new folks will know what is going on. Even for business and residents it doesn't need to look like a depressed area in a ghost town.
your survey is very biased the way it is written, mostly negative options.
Also, was a survey of this nature completed when Brahma extendes into the car park?
just curious, as I don’t recall seeing it.
Why was the word ‘immediately’ changed to ‘asap’?
in the original survey one of the selections used the word ‘immediately’, but it was changed to ‘asap’ in your results notification.