On Tuesday, the Brentwood City Council will discuss a resolution that would approve grant funding for downtown outdoor dining furniture.
The move came after the 2018 Brentwood Strategic Plan where $180k was allocated for downtown beautification projects and programs. With 100% occupancy within the core of the downtown area, many businesses are requesting assistance with funding to provide outdoor dining within the downtown.
The staff report highlighted:
The Outdoor Dining Furniture Grant Program would assist in the investment in high quality furniture, fencing, and other approved outdoor merchandise to complement and enhance downtown revitalization efforts while also promoting joint public/private action and investment, which will contribute to the overall strength and vibrancy of Downtown
Staff has recommended $20,000 be allocated to fiscal year 2019-20 to assist businesses with the purchase of furniture, fencing, umbrellas, and other approved outdoor merchandise.
Grants will be available up to $5,000 and could provide at least 4 downtown businesses with the opportunity to participate in the program during the fiscal year period. Staff also recommends honoring the elimination of any fees associated with the permitting of this program, to further assist these businesses
UPDATE – Council Discussion from Tuesday
Claudette Staton asked staff if they knew how many restaurants were downtown which staff guessed maybe seven.
Claudette Staton asked what happens if you give out the $20,000 and you still have others interested, staff explained they could work with them in planning until next budget or come back to the council for more funding. Staff said they expected this $20,000 to make it through this fiscal year.
She then asked how these grants would be selected in picking one over another, staff replied many already have sidewalk dinning and anticipated there would not be more than four who applied and if so, they would evaluate the projects.
Councilwoman Karen Rarey wanted clarification because she was under the impression the grants would be on a first-come first serve basis. Staff explained the projects had to be “good projects” that meet standards.
Councilman Johnny Rodriguez questioned if someone receives a grant and they close or go out of business, if the furniture stayed with the business owner or if it would go back to the city. Staff said the furniture would stay with the site.
“The fear is you get the best furniture possible knowing your not going to pay for it knowing at some point your not going to stay so you take it,” explained Rodriguez. “So it’s something we really need to look at.”
Rodriguez said they need to figure out who would own the furniture if that person was to leave that location. If it was something the business owner would take, would it stay with the building or would the city take it back.
City Manager Gus Vina explained it would be problematic in the grant program for Brentwood to manage furniture while explaining typically in this process, the furniture would stay with the business owner.
“They apply for the grant, its theirs,” said Vina who said they wanted to distance themselves from the procurement of furniture. “I don’t know how you would say give us the furniture is back.”
Staff also said the city had the opportunity to take the furniture back should it choose.
“I like the idea of outdoor dining; I think it definitely beautifies the downtown. Some colorful umbrellas and outdoor furniture,” said Staton.
Rarey said this grant program will add to the downtown atmosphere.
“It adds to the atmosphere, the vibrancy and entices the people who are walking by to step in and enjoy whatever the food is or the libations are going in those restaurants and local bars and pubs,” explained Rarey. “I think its going to be a draw and bring more people downtown. It will help to induce foot traffic in our downtown.”
The motion passed 5-0.
8 comments
Take note Antioch and Oakley. This is how a downtown brings people in. With comfort and becoming business friendly.
Sure Bill, spending tax payers money so a local business can profit seems like a poor use of tax funds. If business want furniture or fences, then they can pay for it. Stop using my tax money so others can profit.
For a city that doesn’t want to be like Antioch, seems like they quickly are. Benches and outdoor furniture will attracted a place for the needy to hang out. Look at EVERY town with any type of homeless population. The SF type of living environment is where the East Bay is heading if we don’t take preventive measures now. Look into some called “behavioral modification due to environment change.” Super easy principle, if you don’t want people loitering, don’t give them a reason to. Don’t want people using planter boxes as a cut through, add thorny bushes. Don’t want people begging, stop giving them handouts. I work with the needy in an extremely high drug, high crime environment 5 days a week as my full time job. This will have negative implications. I know Antioch is getting over population with homeless, the problem is right next door folks, and its already knocking on your door!!!!!!!!
Watch Antioch City council. They are trying to hire someone to start making professional homeless camps, renting vacant parking lots, and using Sheds as housing. They are proposing a part-time coordinator at 120k a year, renting private parking lots, hiring private security, port-a-potty service, extra lighting for safety, and more….ALL AT THE TAX PAYS EXPENSE! Once Antioch does this, just as a virus, it will spread. Don’t allow your city to start going down the same path. It’s coming to a city near you….
Bill, adding chairs and a tables is not how you bring business in. Lower taxes, and proper city management is how you bring in business.
I cant believe the City Of Brentwood is even considering this…favors for businesses that are “comfy” with City Council? Sounds shady to me!
Free handout of Taxpayer money
Shame on the Brentwood City Council. There is more to Brentwood than the downtown. If I am a business along Brentwood Blvd. I would file a lawsuit or just apply. If I am a business at the Streets of Brentwood. Same thing. If I am a business on Sand Creek in the business park. I would apply. If I am a farm stand wanting furniture for people to sit and eat some fruit, I would apply. This is Brentwood picking and choosing what businesses they want to be successful and creating an unfair advantage.
I don’t want my tax paying dollars funding a business who can buy their own furniture or fence.
I always had some place to sit in Brentwood, just never had somewhere to put it.
Asinine. Lawsuit to follow.
Comments are closed.