HomeMy WebLinkAbout04 07 2025 Item #9.2 - Parklet Update - EXTERNAL - From Tempo to the City of Gilroy Regarding Parklet.pdfCAUTION: This email originated from an External Source. Please use proper judgment and caution when opening
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From:Dan Nelson
To:Jimmy Forbis; Jimmy Forbis; Victoria Valencia; Hipolito Olmos; Bryce Atkins; Dan Nelson
Subject:EXTERNAL - From Tempo to the City of Gilroy regarding Parklet
Date:Monday, April 7, 2025 2:33:16 PM
April 4, 2025
To: City Council and Administration
From: Tempo Kitchen & Bar -Dan Nelson
Re: Parklet
Thank you for taking the opportunity to review my thoughts on the parklet below. From
what I understand you are going to be voting soon on the current situation with the
parklet downtown Gilroy in front of our restaurant.
Let me start with some very important history. We signed a lease and built Tempo
starting back in 2020. We invested in Gilroy because we wanted to see a successful
downtown restaurant/bar/nightclub and we believed strongly in its growth potential. We
knew with a facility the size of ours it would be a challenge but we were in for the long
run.
It all started at the beginning of Covid. When we signed our lease, probably the most
important thing for our restaurant was that parklet. We know the city built the parklet
and our landlord built extra bathrooms for a long term purpose. When we decided to
invest into downtown Gilroy it represented the long-term benefits of that parklet in front
of our restaurant. Our decision was based on many things but this was one of the most
important and main reasons we invested in downtown Gilroy.
When we did all the improvements, we decided it was critical we put a large server
station near the front so we could service the outside patio. We also built a new bar right
in the front for the same purpose. To make a busier parklet, we decided to do those
items and more to create more traffic for the parklet and help our business grow.
From what I understand you are thinking about either tearing down the existing parklet or
changing its design. After we have invested over a million dollars in downtown building
our current restaurant and additional capital to bring more people to the patio, I would
like to say it would be devastating to our restaurant if you were to get rid or change the
parklet.
Recently we were told that the Plexiglass was the main issue blocking views, so we
decided to take the Plexi glass down and open it up. We recently added stand-up heat
lamps and more plants and had a great updated design to show everyone.
Hundreds and hundreds of people love that patio and use it on a regular basis and would
be very disappointed to have it changed or go away. As you know, downtown wants to
add parklets and these things help to grow downtown. Changing it or taking it away
would be the exact opposite of just about what all other cities are doing.
From May to October the Patio is very busy and with our new bar up front among other
things we expect the numbers to be even bigger even during the off season.
In conclusion, we all know how tough business has been downtown and I know the city
supports the growth of downtown and would never take away such a valuable asset to
both the city and our restaurant.
In conclusion, with all the economic uncertainty that is looming on the horizon, please
do not add to the distress and uncertainty that we would face by removing or changing
the parklet which is a known revenue source for us at such a critical time.
We have heard so many people through the years say since we've been open, “Tempo
has been the beginning of the revitalization of downtown Gilroy”. I am urging you not to
destroy us please.
As a very important reminder, the parklet was approved by the city in its current form as
a permanent feature. Again, this heavily influenced my decision to sign the lease at this
location because I could count on it to be part of your restaurant as long as I was there.
I am urging you to let our restaurant continue growing and please allow the parklet to
remain as it is in the current design. As stated above, the change or elimination of that
would be financially devastating for us.
Appreciate your consideration and support of Downtown Gilroy
Sincerely
Dan Nelson