Earlier this month, the Davis City Council officially committed to several Downtown improvement initiatives, including a focus upon four initiated by the Davis Downtown Business Association (DDBA) as top priorities:
- Evaluate the use of Redevelopment Agency funds for a Downtown multi-use parking structure.
- Work with the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame to continue to establish itself, with the intent of finding a permanent home for the Museum.
- Consider a plan for an E Street Promenade.
- Consider use of LED lighting to replace existing decorative lighting to further enhance Downtown ambiance.
Initially, the Council’s actions will result in the formation of a task force to review options and prepare a more comprehensive outline as to how each priority actually may be articulated. Council and DDBA representatives will meet soon to begin to discuss how this task force will be formed.
But, what could these improvements ultimately mean to you, as a Davisite or visitor who shops, dines and recreates Downtown?
The need for additional, convenient parking is easy to understand, and enhanced (and more earth-friendly) decorative lighting is aimed at elevating the mundane trip to run errands into a memorable “Downtown Davis experience” for locals and visitors alike. Furthermore, ensuring the future of the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame (USBHOF), particularly in Downtown Davis, is an important investment in the economic vitality of Downtown Davis as a visitor attraction. Over the years, the number of hotel nights, restaurant meals and cash register transactions at Downtown retailers that hopefully will be attributable to the presence of the USBHOF should be substantial.
A plan for a potential E Street Promenade between First and Third Streets, however, is the priority that many people are most curious about. What will this look like? Will it really mean no more vehicles on E Street? Will it be permanent, temporary or only on certain days of the week or selected times of day? So many questions - - which is healthy, since it indicates that locals are very interested in the future of this core two-block section of Downtown Davis.
The reality is that there are no pre-conceived notions at this point as to what form an E Street Promenade might take. What is clear is that many cities with characteristics similar to Davis have benefited from the presence of some sort of pedestrian and bicycle-dedicated thoroughfare in their Downtown. As a community that is known for its ground-breaking achievements, such as being the first City in the country to paint bike lanes on the streets in the 1960s, exploring new ways to build upon an openness to innovations seems to be a natural evolution. The possibilities for bringing a refreshed vibrancy to the center of Downtown, celebrating the friendliness and healthy lifestyles that Davis is known for, is truly exciting for DDBA leaders and the businesses, organizations and local residents who support this idea.
DDBA is hopeful that examples provided by other Downtown locales, whether in California or elsewhere in the U.S., or even abroad, will be helpful to the task force in determining how a promenade concept best fits Downtown Davis’ unique landscape and business environment. And, it’s important that Davisites’ contributions to this work are considered at every step.
Davis is very fortunate to have a nice Downtown. With the dedication of City Council to its improvement, we all have an historic opportunity to work as partners to create a “can’t miss” Downtown destination for visitors, and a valuable community amenity for all to enjoy.
