2008 City Council Candidates Answer Questions About Downtown
On Tuesday, May 13, all six Davis City Council candidates participated in the DDBA Candidates' Forum, offering their perspectives on 15 questions about Downtown Davis. Subsequently, DDBA offered each candidate the opportunity to submit written responses to as many of the 15 questions as each desired to address. Click to read the questions and candidates' responses received thus far.
1) According to CalTrans, approximately 120,000 people per day drive through Davis on Interstate 80. DDBA would like to attract these visitors Downtown. How would you help to make that happen?
Rob Roy: an attractive mural sign featuring the unique character of Davis along the 80 would be a good lure. Many folks come into the Davis Commons on daily basis from 1-80. People need to see more than Wendy’s and In-and Out from the freeway.
Don Saylor: this is a significant issue because of the lack of visibility of the downtown for passersby.
First and foremost, our efforts should be focused on enhancing Downtown Davis as a regional, and even national attraction. All efforts along those lines will translate into increased visitors and make stopping in downtown en route from the Bay Area to Tahoe and return an ever more popular activity. Related to this enhancement of DESTINATION Davis, is strategic marketing for travelers – partnerships with Sierra ski locations and Bay Area attractions for joint marketing to get the word out, placement of Downtown Davis materials in travelers agent offices and web sites that serve travelers and commuters and Amtrak riders, etc.
Second, improved clarity of parking and routes into downtown as well as improved parking will be helpful.
Third, signage along I-80 leading to the key freeway exits can only help. Downtown is not visible from I-80 and many passers by would have no reason to exit to find it. There is a quaint town called Templeton near Paso Robles that has a delightful downtown loop off the beaten path. There is signage leading up to the spot informing travellers. We could even consider signage a few miles away letting travellers know how far it is to Downtown.
Fourth, the work we are all involved in with enhanced connections to the UCD arts neighborhood and the Gateway project will also help the “catchment” of folks passing by.
Fifth, we should consider the best use of the areas that are visible from I-80 as a way of creating a sense of special attraction to the downtown. That could mean sprucing up the area at the westbound exit on Olive Drive, locating a signature use at the city owned space at the northwest corner of Richards and Olive Drive, or otherwise giving travellers a “taste” of what a visit downtown might bring.
Cecilia Escamilla-Greenwald: I propose using city redevelopment money to construct a multilevel parking structure with an Olive Street entrance. It would have a ramp over the train tracks meeting up with the existing parking lot along First Street. It would enable people to park and walk downtown. I would also like to enhance the downtown by creating a more plaza like atmosphere with a variety of locally based retail, restaurants, and entertainment.
2) Excluding the Farmers’ Market, how is the Downtown a part of your weekly personal life?
Rob Roy: I work downtown and have lived at two different locations between A and B on Second Street. I thoroughly enjoy and want to protect the bikability of downtown as well as the many independent businesses downtown.
Don Saylor: I find myself downtown on a daily basis. About half of my weekly City Councilmember “office hour” sessions are held at downtown coffee shops or restaurants. I frequently shop downtown for shoes, socks, books, bike accessories, and the like. I patronize restaurants, participate in the art events and attend the music Fridays in the summer. Julie and I buy special gifts at the Artery and I have enjoyed De Luna’s collection of southwest art and jewelry for years. We bought a futon on E Street a few months ago when old friends came to town for a visit. We enjoy the customer service and quality of offerings and the feeling of knowing people and bumping into friends that comes with our downtown. I drop in on merchants and restaurants to ask how business is going. I have had shirts embroidered at the Davis Sports Shop and plaques made at Davis Awards. Last week I participated in “Schoolapaloza” and modelled clothing from Outdoor Davis. Lately, I have enjoyed the Monday Night Trivia event at Bistro 33.
Cecilia Escamilla-Greenwald: While the Farmer’s Market has been a major part of my life, on a weekly basis I do my banking and other personal business downtown. I meet with friends at various cafes and restaurants and we dine, walk and shop through the core of Davis. The downtown is a major part of my weekly life and one of the highlights of Davis that make it such a special place.
3) How will you support ownership housing in the Downtown?
Rob Roy: I will protect the owners on University Lane from unfair construction occurring in the backyards. The neighborhood there has seniority. I will preserve the charm of housing downtown by encouraging remodeling and not demolition of buildings with historic charm.
Don Saylor: we should consider mixed use projects including condominium residences with commercial properties on the ground floor near the core area. We have already established some fee exemptions for such projects. I support the B Street Visioning effort to densify the existing residential area along the west edge of Central Park. We should consider mixed use neighborhoods at the following sites: PG&E, Nishi site, and the DJUSD administration site at 5th and B. We need to focus any such project by design, density, and neighborhood configuration to specific housing needs of the community, balanced with sensitivity to existing uses.
Cecilia Escamilla-Greenwald: My main focus will be on producing smaller units and higher density housing in the core of Davis. I think by looking at locations such as Toomey Field and the PG&E site, we can maintain the character of our downtown while adding new ownership housing in walking distance to the Davis Downtown.
4) What is your vision for the Downtown in 10 years, and what steps will you take to advance that vision?
Rob Roy: I would like to see the E/F Third street project get off the ground. I would like to preserve the historic buildings we have downtown and see a restaurant in Hunt Boyer Mansion. I would like to see Third and B and the Boy Scout cabin more active, as well as more concerts in the park to get people out and about.
Don Saylor: I see downtown as an ever evolving DESTINATION, a vibrant hub for arts and entertainment and shopping. I see downtown as connected with the complementary hub of arts and entertainment in the Mondavi Center neighborhood on the UCD campaus. I see more people living in and near the downtown bringing even more energy. I see fewer automobiles, greater reliance on bikes, shuttles and trains, parking for automobiles on Richards Drive with a walk across to the train station and the 3/4/E/F block redeveloped.
I see several specific major projects advancing over the next few years to advance this vision:
• Creation of the California Bicycle Musem and Center in downtown and attraction of the United States Bicycling Hall of Fame to Davis. We can build on the existing Pierce-Miller bicycle collection that will be on temporary display at 3rd and B during this year’s celebration of the UCD centennial. This will enhance our DESTINATION and visibility nationwide and bring visitors to Davis for an attraction that is consistent with our community identity.
• Pursue 3/4/E/F block redevelopment project with parking structure wrapped with commercial spaces. Continue examining the potential for housing on upper floors if this can be shown to be financially viable.
• Pursue multilevel parking structure on Richards across from train station or near the tunnel with second story access to downtown and the train station for bikes and pedestrians.
• Support the addition of live music venues in downtown.
• Support the exciting revisioning of the B Street corridor across from Central Park.
• Consider housing at the following sites: PG&E, Nishi site, DJUSD administration site at 5th and B. Focus any such project by design, density, and neighborhood configuration to specific housing needs of the community.
• Conduct a comprehensive parking workshop to develop a systemic strategy for downtown parking and access.
Cecilia Escamilla-Greenwald: My vision for downtown in ten years is to maintain downtown Davis as a walkable community with the small town charm and character that it now has. I would like to improve off-site parking. I would like to encourage walking and biking to downtown. I would like to help support small businesses coming into downtown and look at ways for us to maintain our local business base rather than become merely another town overrun with national chains and big box stores.
5) How will you mitigate Target’s impact upon Downtown Davis?
Rob Roy: we must keep downtown attractive with unique businesses that will maintain its status as destination shopping. However, in all honesty I believe Target will negatively affect local business. I do believe they should pay a living wage while smaller retailers should determine their own wage structure.
Don Saylor: I support continuing to build on the natural strengths of downtown to enhance this Davis niche as a regional treasure. Downtown Davis will continue to be known as hub of independent businesses focused on customer service, individual attention, and high quality products and services. The City will continue to invest in the publicly owned spaces downtown just as we have done with the Bistro 33, the Varsity Theater and the ongoing work with the tank house and the Hunt-Boyer Mansion. We will continue to invest in the infrastructure in projects like the 3rd Street corridor, UDASH and other campus connections. We can pursue all the projects listed in my response to Question 4 to strengthen and enhance the downtown.
The Second Street Crossing project approved by Davis voters will provide a category of shopping opportunities for Davis residents and travellers on I-80 that to this point have been met by many by travelling to Woodland, Vacaville or other locations. The fiscal analyses of the project did not indicate a significant drain on the downtown will take place. We should monitor the actual experience and determine if any further steps are necessary or helpful.
Cecilia Escamilla-Greenwald: I strongly opposed Target coming into Davis. I was very concerned that it would negatively impact the businesses in Davis and pull people away from downtown businesses — meaning that some of the businesses that rely on foot traffic would be impacted. I am increasingly concerned with the loss of places such as Bogey’s books. As councilmember I will look to encourage strong local business and continue to improve the entertainment and eating options that will draw people to the Davis Downtown.
6) What is your understanding of Downtown’s role in the guiding planning principles of the City of Davis?
Rob Roy: Downtown is the Rome of Davis – all roads lead to it. It was when you couldn’t get to Rome via road that the empire truly began to fall so we must be concerned about the upcoming battle against Target. Beyond that, downtown is the core and we must keep it.
Don Saylor: the downtown area is key to maintaining our small town character as specifically called out in the General Plan Vision: “maintain a strong, vital, pedestrian-oriented and dynamic downtown area”. In addition, the downtown area plays a significant role in addressing other aspects of our General Plan Vision in providing locations for infill development, providing an array of housing options, promoting economic vitality, promoting arts and cultural activity, and fostering an appreciation of the city’s heritage and historical and cultural resources. Inherent in these multiple principles is a need to continually balance them with each other and with emerging concerns, such as accessibility, response to climate change, and housing affordability.
Cecilia Escamilla-Greenwald: I have seen first-hand the problems that occur when a city neglects its downtown. We cannot have a small compact city; we cannot be at the forefront of environmental design, without a vibrant, strong, and vital downtown core. We need to get people into the downtown, out of their cars, onto bikes, trolleys, and walking as a way to enhance the atmosphere of the downtown while protecting our environment.
7) The City recently completed a multi-year visioning process for the B Street neighborhood. How did this process encourage or discourage the vision of the Downtown?
Rob Roy: I do not support the tearing down of the cottages to build 45-foot tall high-end condos. There are other buildings and locations where we could densify downtown that would not be so onerous to the neighbors. At this point in our city’s planning any development so close to the University should be geared toward housing student’s and university staff.
Don Saylor: the B Street Visioning process involved all stakeholders in crafting a careful balance of historical preservation, economic development, and neighborhood design issues. The outcome of that process respects all those themes and presents a set of parameters for redevelopment of a deteriorating area bordering the downtown, while requiring that historically valuable structures are used on site or in some cases relocated. Actual projects to increase density along B Street will complement the existing areas along the south side of 3rd Street and other locations in the core. The addition of housing units in this area, near downtown, will contribute to the active, vibrant character of the area.
Cecilia Escamilla-Greenwald: I am very concerned that the visioning process for the B Street neighborhood will negatively impact Davis. We have taken out some of the most charming and character enhancing areas of town that presented the people of Davis with a true college type atmosphere. There was a better way to do this. I would have looked toward maintaining the neighborhood while refurbishing the west side of B-street with more shops and eateries that appeal to college students and town folk alike, along the lines of Ciocolat, Crepeville, and Burgers and Brew. These restaurants and shops have enhanced the character of the west side of the core. I would look towards places like the PG&E site to provide similar housing and mixed use options on the east side of the core.
8) Discuss why Davis’ Downtown is the “green” choice for Davisites.
Rob Roy: Downtown is already built and centrally located. I would like to see it to be even more bike friendly by doing traffic calming on 5th and working toward devoting an entire street to bikes. Downtown would also be the easiest place to create a pilot composting program for restaurants, as they do in San Francisco.
Don Saylor: the DDBA has done a good job of describing the aspects of downtown that support environmentally friendly lifestyles. Downtown is located at the geographic center of Davis with train and bus connections and easy access to the UCD campus. Downtown is walkable and within reach of many residential areas.
The variety of business and public spaces invites people to conduct multiple activities in a single trip. Some steps we might take to enhance the downtown as a “green” center include:
• Addition of housing in and near downtown.
• Permitting taller structures in and near the core area.
• Adding parking south of the railroad with second story bike and pedestrian crossings.
• Improve bus and shuttle systems between downtown and UCD and other locations within the community.
• Consider green building requirements and incentives for any new projects.
• Expanding shopping and entertainment options to address more of the demands of Davis residents, including UCD students.
Cecilia Escamilla-Greenwald: As I mentioned earlier, creating a downtown that allows people to get out of their cars and onto bikes, walking around, and riding mass transit is essential for creating a green Davis. Small and locally owned businesses are also environmental enhancers without the mass production and waste produced from large chains and big box stores.
9) What do you know about the DDBA-initiated plans for a Downtown-UC Davis Shuttle, and how can the City help to insure its success?
Rob Roy: promotion is the key to any project surviving. The city and the University must stick with it to let it catch on but also let the possible ridership know about it through marketing and maintain its convenience.
Don Saylor: to date, I have not worked directly on this project, but I support the concept wholeheartedly. A system of small shuttles operating on a continuous loop at low fares with the potential of some validation process would ease the movement from downtown to UCD destinations. This would potentially bring people already on campus into the downtown, as well as attract people into the downtown with the possibility of making a low impact trip to campus as part of the stay. The city may participate in joint grant applications, startup funding and in the design and implementation of the shuttle through use of redevelopment funds.
Cecilia Escamilla-Greenwald: The city needs to promote the Downtown to UC Davis shuttle as a means for people at the university to take their lunch in the Davis Downtown without the congestion and parking problems. In addition, I would like to see a dedicated bike route from the Western Side of campus to the Davis Downtown to ease the riding of bikes instead of cars as a means for transportation.
10) How would you propose including housing in the 3rd/4th/E & F project?
Rob Roy: ideally the project will hand underground and first level parking wrapped in retail with a floor or two of offices and them housing on the top floors.
Don Saylor: the most recent financial analyses of this project are not promising on the viability of housing in this location. As we continue to explore the feasibility of housing on this site as part of a mixed use project, I am interested in ensuring that the residential, parking and commercial uses are compatible and designed to avoid conflicts among the uses.
Cecilia Escamilla-Greenwald: My vision for downtown would be to have people living more on the periphery of the downtown than in the core. I think having people living directly in the downtown has some drawbacks in terms of parking and congestion. I would prefer to promote housing on the east side of campus and at the PG&E site.
11) Because Downtown is currently limited in space, how would you help to expand its boundaries to make Davis more green, with less commutes across town or out of town?
Rob Roy: I agree with Mayor Greenwald that we should encourage the University to build housing where Toomey field is and put housing in the PG & E yard. The addition of mixed use buildings with parking and improved bike parking would also entice people into downtown.
Don Saylor: while space downtown is limited, there are a number of underused areas tucked away in the downtown and many of the single story structures present opportunities for multi-story expansion when the time is right. I think we have several opportunities to consider along these lines:
• Pursue ongoing negotiations with private property owners to redevelop the 3/4/E/F block.
• Parking structure along Richards with a second story walk for bikes and pedestrians to reduce traffi in downtown and free up space for other uses.
• Addition of housing in and near downtown. Consider housing at the following sites: PG&E, Nishi site, DJUSD administration site at 5th and B. Focus any such project by design, density, and neighborhood configuration to specific housing needs of the community.
• Support the B Street Visioning process results.
• Allow higher structures in the core.
• Improve bus and shuttle systems between downtown and UCD and other locations within the community.
• Consider green building requirements and incentives for any new projects.
• Expanding shopping and entertainment options to address more of the demands of Davis residents
Cecilia Escamilla-Greenwald: I would propose two things. First, get the parking out of the core of downtown. My suggestion earlier would be an Olive Street access parking garage. People could then walk on a pedestrian ramp and place them at E and 1st within a few blocks of most of downtown. Second, I would look at the western side of central park and along L St as possible locations for additional business, shopping, and eating opportunities.
12) Downtown’s small business owners risk their families’ financial resources on entrepreneurial decisions. How can Council favor their success through City policy?
Rob Roy: the city should maintain its historic bias toward independent business and not approve anymore big box on the periphery.
Don Saylor: small businesses in the downtown and in other locations in our community provide products and services that make our community strong. In aggregate they employ a significant number of people and provide a subtantial amount of revenue to support our public services. Small businesses are typically the first to contribute to any charitable cause or community purpose due to their sense of belonging to the community.
I see the downtown as a vital asset to the community and the businesses in that area as partners with the city in maintaining and enhancing that asset. For many years, the city has invested significant resources in the downtown area to strengthen this asset and to support the success of downtown businesses. We have invested in the infrastructure to enhance the approaches to the downtown and in parking to accommodate visitors. We have leveraged the publicly owned spaces such as Varsity, Bistro 33 and, soon, the tank house, to attract more people downtown. We have advanced and supported private developments at the Chen Building, Roe Building, McCormick Building, Crepeville, and the Lofts. We have invested in E Street Plaza and the area near the Amtrak station. We have included incentives and fee exemptions for some uses in the core area to attract development into the downtown.
The City has supported the Business Improvement District and the Davis Downtown Business Association on a regular and ongoing basis. The City has supported increased contributions to special events in the downtown and increased allocations to visitor attraction efforts when they have come forward. The City devotes large amounts of staff time and resources to events and issues focused on the downtown. We have an active, ongoing dialogue between DDBA and the city at staff levels and at a 2x2 with two members of the City Council.
We have a community interest in the success of downtown and the success of downtown hinges on individual businesses thriving. We should continue the public investments in downtown and pursue additional steps outlined in my responses to the other questions – address parking and approach issues, pursue development projects, enhance the DESTINATION. Furthermore, I look forward to eharing from DDBA members and other merchants of additional ways that the City of Davis can be supportive of the business climate and contribute to the success of local businesses.
Cecilia Escamilla-Greenwald: The city of Davis needs to encourage small business owners to invest in new start ups. One way it can do that is to create some sort of endowment or investor service to help mitigate some of the risks from a new business. In particular, new restaurants are extremely risky with a high rate of failure. All new businesses contain risks. This atmosphere has given national chains and big box stores a huge advantage due to existing recognition and reputation. If we want Davis to remain a small town and local in its business community, we need to be willing to help mitigate these risks.
13) Give a specific example of how the Downtown can have a better relationship with UC Davis.
Rob Roy: continue with the shuttle program and bookend the downtown with housing. Also, we need to improve the entrances into UCDavis to make them more cohesive transitions between the campus and city. Increasing housing for students downtown would be a good direction.
Don Saylor: connection, co-location, and collaboration.
Connection. We need to support in a big way the UCD centennial activities and Gateway project, with a special emphasis on the campus/community connections report recommendations of improving the intersection of 1st and A streets, implementing a shuttle between downtown and the UCD arts neighborhood, and enhancing the 3rd Street corridor.
Co-location. There is no single location for a visitor to obtain tickets or information for a range of activities at UCD and the community. I support the co-location in downtown of a ticket outlet and information booth for both UCD activities and community events and services.
Collaboration. I suggest that the city/DDBA 2x2 schedule a discussion of potential UCD – downtown partnerships. This year’s Centennial Celebration presents an opportunity for all elements of our community to come together around a joyful event.
Finally, as the downtown evolves, we need to keep in mind that students are a major element of the walking area market base. Active entertainment venues and student focused businesses must remain a component of the downtown vision.
Cecilia Escamilla-Greenwald: The university has done a great job of upgrading its entertainment options, but the Mondavi center and the new football field are far from downtown. We need direct access from downtown to the university. Moreover, the university needs to pick up a larger share of housing needs than it currently has. By developing new housing (i.e. Toomey Field) close to the core, we could enhance the downtown.
14) What are your thoughts about the future of E Street Plaza?
Rob Roy: I approve of the timed parking there and I would like to see even more events and cultural happenings. But I think events can be spread out throughout the downtown. Maybe I am showing my bias but the lawn of Davis Commons could be used more often.
Don Saylor: there are many positive aspects of the current layout and use of the E Street Plaza. I have heard some concerns about loitering and even overnight camping in the E Street Plaza – though some of those concerns are somewhat dated. We should continue to use the space for activities that attract people. The days when the plaza is in use for a music or other destination events appear to be very successful. Crafts markets and cart vendors are a draw. Bottom line is that a busy, active use of the open space on a more regular basis will leverage the area to enhance the overall vibrancy of the downtown.
Cecilia Escamilla-Greenwald: I would like to see us get rid of the parking lot and make the E Street Plaza completely pedestrian friendly: lined with businesses, restaurants and shops. A small area for live music would be a great thing, in the core of the Plaza, to enhance the appeal to downtown Davis.
15) What is your one new great idea for Downtown Davis?
Rob Roy: my idea is not new. We should listen to community input on how downtown should progress. Collectively, we will improve it as well as protect it from falling the way of Woodland’s half-vacant downtown.
Don Saylor: create a permanent California Bicycle Museum and Center built around the Pierce-Miller antique bicycle collection. There is a new non-profit organization underway to bring this to fruition. This Museum and Center would build upon our community identity as a Platinum Bicycle City. We should pursue the attraction of the United States Hall of Fame in conjunction with the creation of the Museum and Center. Together, these entities would become nationally recognized in the same fashion as locations such as the Baseball Hall of Fame and would serve as a magnet for DESTINATION Davis. The Museum and Center could house the various historical collections of the Hall of Fame and the Pierce-Miller collection, as well as providing bike maps and information, displays on the physics of bicycling, interactive displays, and perhaps event co-located with bike repair and rent or loan programs for visitors to Davis, The physical facility could be located as a signature project at the southern end of the Richards Tunnel or at another site in the downtown.
Cecilia Escamilla-Greenwald: I would look to solve the parking problem and take the parking out of the center of downtown, push it to the periphery, but in a way that people have easy access to it. My proposal would be to use city redevelopment money to construct a multilevel parking structure near the Design House with an Olive Street entrance. The parking structure would only have access on the Olive Street side; however, it would have a ramp over the train tracks meeting up with the existing lot along First Street. It would then have a pedestrian ramp which would put pedestrians within two or three blocks of nearly all of downtown. This proposal would have the advantage of encouraging people to park outside of the core area and then walk the core. It would reduce greatly traffic flow under the Richards Overpass. And finally, it would be a regional draw as people would have easy access to parking and shopping from the highway.