$100k study on how to fill downtown storefronts

Alarmed by the amount of vacant retail and office space in downtown, the city of Napa will spend nearly $100,000 to have a consultant put together a marketing and leasing strategy.

The Napa City Council on Tuesday committed funds from downtown property taxes to come up with a plan for filling 105,000 square feet of new commercial space and another 76,000 square feet in older buildings that sit empty.

Napa is hiring Economic Development Systems of Redondo Beach to analyze the shopping needs of locals and tourists, then map out ways of enticing regional and national chains to come downtown.

Filling vacant storefronts can’t wait until early 2011, when the city completes a Downtown Specific Plan that lays out long-term development plans for downtown, said Cassandra Walker, the city’s deputy redevelopment director.

Downtown has plenty of restaurants, but lacks the diversity and concentration of stores needed to make it thrive, Walker said.

There are major pockets of empty stores along First Street and in Napa Town Center, not to mention newly constructed commercial space at the Riverfront on Main Street, she said.

The 181,000 square feet of empty commercial space cited by Walker is nearly 10 percent of the greater downtown total, said Robin Klingbeil, a redevelopment analyst.

Frustration over empty stores on Main Street and in Napa Town Center bubbled over this spring and summer at public forums on the Downtown Specific Plan.

On Tuesday night, council members said much of the ire was directed at George Altamura, downtown’s biggest property owner who has let stores in Napa Town Center and on Main Street sit vacant while trying to attract a major redeveloper.

Walker said she had recently met with the Altamura family and other major downtown property owners. They all supported city efforts to come up with a marketing plan to attract tenants, she said.

Two weeks ago, the Altamura family announced that it was abandoning its strategy to combine many of its holdings into large multi-use projects. Such plans don’t work in today’s ailing economy, they said.

The Altamuras said they had retained a new commercial real estate firm, Strong and Hayden, and are committed to leasing stores to quality tenants. Strong and Hayden signs offer 50,000 square feet for lease.

Mayor Jill Techel said she had met last week with George Altamura Jr. and representatives of The Doctors Company, which co-owns Napa Town Center with the Altamuras.

She shared resident and merchant concerns about the drag that vacant spaces have on the health of downtown, Techel said Wednesday. She was assured that the Napa Town Center ownership is serious about its new leasing efforts, she said.

Economic Development Systems has proven contacts with major retailers, Walker said. These relationships may help the city overcome today’s poor retail climate in which most chain stores are freezing or cutting back on expansion plans, she said.

Retailers may begin to add stores by the end of the year and into 2010, which is when the new consultants should be ready to begin outreach efforts, Walker said.

If Economic Development Systems is moderately successful, the city should recoup its contract costs, Walker said. If the city could fill 55,000 square feet — about a quarter of existing vacancies — the increase in sales tax revenues would be about $91,000 annually, she said.

Economic Development Systems has experience with cities that depend on both local and visitor shoppers, Walker said. She provided testimonials from city officials in Pasadena, Long Beach and San Jose.

Because this marketing study is being paid for by downtown redevelopment money, the project can be directed only at downtown, Walker said.

But the rest of the city’s shopping areas should benefit, Walker said. Retailers who don’t find what they want downtown will be directed to other retail zones.

102 comment(s)

make napa better wrote on Jul 9, 2009 12:20 PM:

" Ok, again. You could have saved the money or just given it to me :) Put some real stores in there and the people will come, Jewelry Stores, Empty Storefronts, and Antique stores just don't cut it. It used to be so much busier when there were real retail stores downtown. "

amazed wrote on Jul 9, 2009 12:26 PM:

" I call upon the Altamuras to "support" -- $$$$$ -- this $100,000 study! And not just with their property taxes on crumbling buildings. "

firststreetmayor wrote on Jul 9, 2009 12:41 PM:

" How about a contest among are loyal napa realtors , rent out Napa down town in 30 days and take home the first prize of 50,000 and 1 years free rent.
just another idea.. "

if you can't beat 'em... wrote on Jul 9, 2009 12:41 PM:

" Lower rents.

Look what it did for Bel Air shopping center. "

napagrl1960 wrote on Jul 9, 2009 12:44 PM:

" Nice waste of money.

Try leasing, not a month to month, and for a respectable amount. Then actually try to keep them there by not jacking up the rent when the lease is up.

Downtown Napa is a joke - no wonder people go out of town to shop. "

winewoman wrote on Jul 9, 2009 12:49 PM:

" LOL. Our city leaders are inept. And now we're going to pay firm to develop a marketing plan in order to bring tenants TO ALTAMURA! Are you out of your minds? Make Altamura pay for the study. Unbelievable. I'm embarrassed for all of us. "

LittleJoe wrote on Jul 9, 2009 1:02 PM:

" Here is a thought, instead of paying some so-cal firm $100,000 to figure out why stores left downtown why not ask those stores that left?!? This is a prime example of why our state is going bankrupt. Instead of being logical about it and realizing that high rent forced businesses from downtown, we are paying some firm from so cal to figure this out for us.

I think I can hear the mayor and city council playing their fiddles from here... "

ureluis wrote on Jul 9, 2009 1:02 PM:

" you should make a surf city and best buy!!yeaah my favorite stores "

clean and serene wrote on Jul 9, 2009 1:02 PM:

" Maybe lower the rents the first 6 months to quality retailers and small unique businesses then after 6 months go to market rate. That might help. Maybe if you can work out a contract like that. "

BilLy wrote on Jul 9, 2009 1:10 PM:

" Maybe the new and old landlords need to lower their per square foot rental rates...they are a joke. Some as high as $5 per square foot .....more than Rodeo Drive ! Greed has gotten a hold of these landlords and now they are paying the price. It is going to be this way for quite some time we shall see if they can hold on. The city has done a terrible job of letting these landlords let dwntown (especially First Street) look unappealing and Ghost like. $100k
yeh that is money well spent what a joke "

kbf wrote on Jul 9, 2009 1:17 PM:

" Good ideas people, too bad the mayor and city counsel dosen't listen. They could have given me $25,000 and I would have walked downtown and asked people what they would like to see. Remember it is for the local people and if the tourists like it good. "

mykdgirl54 wrote on Jul 9, 2009 1:32 PM:

" Hmmm downtown property tax dollars only? Im skeptical... besides I wonder how many home owners in Napa get to decide how THEIR property tax dollars are spent!
Sounds like only $$ talks in this county - must be business as usual. On the bright side, Im humored to see that it takes a consultant at $100,000 to figure out WHY there are so many empty store fronts! I have a pitch for those property owners - pay me $25,000 and I'll give you a good reason & solution for a QUARTER of the price and let those tax dollars go to Something USEFUL!!!! "

Paddy wrote on Jul 9, 2009 1:35 PM:

" Take the Altamura properties through eminent domain; they're apparently abandoned. Then hire a property manager to bring in businesses to fill these buildings and watch downtown grow.

Where do I collect my $100,000? "

JustMyyOpinion wrote on Jul 9, 2009 1:44 PM:

" That was my thought, Clean.... Lower the rents! The exorbitant rates that are currently being charged clearly is not working. Isn't it better to get some rent, rather than none?

Allow a variety of stores to open that would be of interest to our tourists and residents alike. Make it both interesting and fun to be downtown.

Truly, does it really take a $100k study to know why so many storefronts are vacant?

I could have, and would have, told you for half of that! "

Grits wrote on Jul 9, 2009 1:45 PM:

" It's the outrageous rent....I remember the retail stores once upon a time.... "

napa1968 wrote on Jul 9, 2009 1:48 PM:

" I agree with "clean and serene" !
how about give the small store owner, 2 months free, then recalculate how much this $100k study will cost that tenant for the store he/she wants to rent. Then take that off the rent for one year, in a 3 year lease.
SIMPLE, stores are full of privatley owned business, in downtown ! "

jimihil wrote on Jul 9, 2009 1:53 PM:

" It doesn't take $100k to figure out that tourists find Napa's downtown feels "cheap" and lacks charm, so they go elsewhere to shop. The former Mervyn's space-soon to be opened as Khol's (Oh GOODIE! the tourists are certainly going to come from miles around to catch a sale on Levi's and Sketchers!) needs to be razed and a (real) plaza constructed in its place- complete with small shops and restaurants built around it's perimeter. Something resembling either Sonoma or Healdsburg's plazas would be a great attraction for locals and tourists alike. Veterans park is nice, but is not located where it's well suited for large community functions... unless you like hanging around the cigarette smokers from Downtown Joes' and waving to the patrons at the county jail. Downtown cannot be all things to all people. In my opinion, the city planners need to concentrate on bringing in businesses that will be attractive to tourists. Allowing large national lower tier chain stores such as Subway and Khol's cause the downtown area to loose it's charm and cache' hence losing it's appeal to tourists. The downtown will continue to have the same problems it currently has until there is a clear and consistent vision and plan executed for it. Sorry folks, but the tourists don't want Khol's across the street from where they're paying $50 for a steak and the locals want another Taco Bell... Unfortunately having both of these within eyesight of each other makes for a downtown that doesn' t know what it is. The anything goes mentality just does't work. I say let the fast food chains, and discount department stores find another place to set up shop... we locals know where to find them. No charge for the advice. "

MAGNUM439 wrote on Jul 9, 2009 1:57 PM:

" For $25K i will tell you how to bring in business. Here's a freebie, LOWER the rent and extend the parking time to 3 hours. The rest of my ideas will cost the city $25k. "

Praetorian wrote on Jul 9, 2009 1:58 PM:

" I believe regional and national stores are part of the problem. I'd much rather see an emphasis on getting more local businesses into the core area. In many instances box stores have come into communities and driven the local, home grown merchants out. Then, when the retailing numbers don't fit their business models, such as now, they pull out and leave the community high and dry. You think the small business administration might have some input? I don't have the answers but I can see what's not working. "

Farmgirl wrote on Jul 9, 2009 2:17 PM:

" It does not take $100,000 to realize that lowering rents will bring in new renters. Apparently most of the landlords do not care if their buildings are empty or they would do something to fill them! In these economic times the city should not waste this money on a consultant! Please fix our roads or something useful instead. "

BilLy wrote on Jul 9, 2009 2:30 PM:

" Another reason I would not want to lease property downtown....the city spends $100k of tax dollars paid by the downtown businesses to try and solve problems they created with a ridiculous study done by a firm in Southern California......pathetic
Altamura is putting pressure on the city and the city is using downtown tax dollars for this study to help landlords like him "solve their problem". Whatever the study says the city and Altamura will not listen to it...because they have not been listening for years.
go talk to the people running the Outlets a half mile away somehow they know how to get people shopping "

napabicycler wrote on Jul 9, 2009 2:48 PM:

" What a waste of $100k. Send the bill to Altamura.

I know who won’t be getting my vote for re-election. "

i4aneye wrote on Jul 9, 2009 2:54 PM:

" does anyone happen to know how much the city has paid to consultants this year so far? i would love to know. "

lupmart wrote on Jul 9, 2009 3:15 PM:

" Everyone needs to get a grip and realize that retail stores as we used to know it are dead. Retailing is dead. Napa will never again have a downtown aimed at locals for "regular, daily stuff". This is not a Napa only problem or a tourist created problem ... most downtowns in small towns across America are DEAD. Heck, shopping malls are practically dead too. The world changes so accept it and let's move on.

That being said, what a monumental waste of tax dollars to have a city do a study on how to lease privately held retail space. If you want to waste money, why don't you pick certain types of businesses that you want and subsidize their rents for a few years while they get up and going?

Was this a unanimous vote by the Council? "

firststreetmayor wrote on Jul 9, 2009 3:18 PM:

" Another idea, if the rent is to high split off the footage and make mini Oxbow rentals inside each rental, it has worked at the Oxbow saving thousands per space, think of it another way, a rental pays a monthly payment for about 8 hours of use the other 16 hours of rent per month is out the window a 2/3 rd loss on your big investment, who would want to pay this much ? only a fool living on a hill of his own or should I say temporarily there.. "

Praetorian wrote on Jul 9, 2009 3:19 PM:

" Today in an article in the L.A. Times:

http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-copia8-2009jul08,0,2622595.story

Good to know who some of the players are and how they're thinking. The problem goes beyond The Altamura Family. I think some are unfairly using them as an excuse for our reversal in fortune.

I too feel the money spent should have stayed local. I also think a moratorium should be instituted on fees for "Consultants" until we see an improvement in the economy. "

sprklsunshine wrote on Jul 9, 2009 3:20 PM:

" I for one don’t believe that “empty commercial space cited by Walker is nearly 10 percent of the greater downtown total.” I would venture a guess as to more like 50%. At least that’s how it appears, and appearance is everything, isn’t that why we paid $$ to put signs in our empty storefronts advertising that Downtown Napa has empty storefronts? "

JustMyyOpinion wrote on Jul 9, 2009 3:22 PM:

" I'm seeing some very good and viable suggestions here. Why does Altamura think it's necessary to spend One Hundred Thousand Dollars to find out what the residents of Napa could tell him??

I hope he's reading these comments and can somehow save our money before it's too late.

Why not post a poll in this here Napa Valley Register for people to offer their suggestions? How much would that cost? Nothing? Right! "

NVR-Dan Ross wrote on Jul 9, 2009 3:36 PM:

" JustMyyOpinion:
Go to the top of the story -- third paragraph, and click on the link "Your view: What stores do you want downtown?" to offer your suggestion .. or click the "What stores would you like to see in downtown Napa?" link in the Downtown Napa Coverage box at the top of the story. "

LoveLolo wrote on Jul 9, 2009 3:42 PM:

" Yea lower rents would def help, it'd be nice if development had some regard for what the people ACTUALLY from Napa would like, I doubt two Targets would have made it in if they were considering locals benefit! This issue is so frustrating to me and add to that the additionof KOHLS!! Seriously a price hyped Mervyns with a different name, its like the light tower all over again, whos in charge of this crap? "

shareathought wrote on Jul 9, 2009 3:53 PM:

" Yes, it looks as though the Napa Register could have held a lottery of sorts...

They could have asked: "What stores do you want downtown?"

For their part they would be given a bonus of $25,000; then, the person with the best idea could have been given another $25,000, as could, someone randomly pulled from the idea raffle. The last 25,000 could have been used to implement the idea/s and much of the money could have stayed right here in this community.

Then Napa wouldn't have to hire a southern California firm to find out what the shopping needs of locals are while, the paper and people do the work for the the consultants.

It seems there was a day, when the community of Napa contemplated prohibiting national chains rather then "enticing" them to come (now, chain stores make up most of what we have).

I'd prefer to entice our own to stay.

OR

It may be that the City should hang on to that $100k for now. If state & national news is correct, California is being hit harder financially then perhaps any other state. It may well be that the average "local" just can not afford to spend money on anything but necessities. "

BilLy wrote on Jul 9, 2009 3:56 PM:

" $100k come on in this economy and the money goes to Southern California?

What about balloons they seem to work for the wineries up and down the trail and Hwy 29 (yeh they look great ...ugg)? How about a downtown Ferris Wheel or Strip clubs? "

JustMyyOpinion wrote on Jul 9, 2009 4:00 PM:

" Ahh, thanks, Dan! I totally missed that while reading the article! "

Praetorian wrote on Jul 9, 2009 4:09 PM:

" re lupmart: I believe the money has come from the re-development corp. As for retail being dead I think not. But choices that have been made to make Napa a shopping destination are misguided.
Really. Who, tell me, comes to Napa to shop? National and regional chains can be accessed with far less effort than driving to our lovely little berg. What's needed are businesses that support the primary reason clientele visit this valley.
Personally if I was to shop I'd rather go to St. Helena or Calistoga. Now, do you think our shopping experience resembles those? Why, pray tell, have all the attractive stores been relegated to the outskirts of town much less the core area. I don't want to go to a mall when I shop. It's so...pedestrian. "

noblindershere wrote on Jul 9, 2009 4:26 PM:

" the concrete jungle downtown is not attractive...why do people go shopping and hang out in downtown Sonoma? THERE IS A SQUARE!!!! people will congregate around and visit more often if there is a centralized area that is shaded and has a park setting. If we had attractive streets, cobblestone for instance, to meander around people would do that, but we don't.
So, we need to make the area more attractive by building a centralized square. Funny, but this was an idea of a local architect 30 years ago. Get rid of the ugly county office building that was once Carithers level the parking garage behind it and allow a beautiful park to grow and be a centralized area for gathering. County buildings do not belong in a commerce area of town. I don't see any county offices in downtown Walnut Creek where people come from all over to shop.
Quality renters will come once they see that there is potential for more foot traffic. You don't need a study, listen to the public through emails its cheaper than 100k. In this economic climate it is ridiculous to be spending that much money on a study! "

UncleStuy wrote on Jul 9, 2009 4:33 PM:

" Talk about Fraud, Waste and Abuse!!! Study what ? He that holds the deeds, created a monoply to fund his Empire. You ran everyone out, now you want them back. Lower the rents, encourage small business owners to return to Downtown Napa. "

SuzieSwirled wrote on Jul 9, 2009 4:45 PM:

" I've lived in Napa for over 30 years, and I have watched as various plans for downtown touted with great fanfare. To a greater or lesser degree, they never quite seem to bring the success that their promoters always promise.

Through the years though, I have noticed a couple of things:

Those who own the downtown properties seem only to see the POTENTIAL of their properties - and then set their rents accordingly.

Those wishing to rent usually don't share this illusion - at least not for long.

Only when rents are in line with the REALITY of a CURRENT business climate will you see any stability in downtown Napa.

When (and ONLY when) downtown Napa has a succeeded in producing a healthy business climate will the high rents that the business property owners want be justifiable.

Let those who MADE the investments in downtown Napa business property get together and pay for all the studies they want to. Why should we the taxpayers? "

tomhansen wrote on Jul 9, 2009 5:06 PM:

" Shortly after Napa thoughtfully wrecked out it's historic downtown on 1st street, took away on street parking, and made the streets one way so nobody could linger downtown at all, the Westfield (Fairfield) Mall was erected in 1981. Perfect timing to steal away all of Napa sales tax base and revenue.
Everyone knew that Thursday nights napa downtown retailers were open until 9pm and it always seemed busy with foot and auto traffic.
Now, everyone ignores these facts. I guess they are all newcomers that are now in charger and don't remember any of this.
Pay all the so called experts you want.
Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it. It seems to get more and more expensive to try to teach these new dogs old tricks.
I imagine what was done in error in the mid 70's simply cant be undone now. Jefferson St. used to be two lanes, and the residents there actually had front yard between Lincoln and Third Street. "

notpc wrote on Jul 9, 2009 5:12 PM:

" We need national retail chain stores as a core. Pottery Barn, Noahs Bagel, Old Navy and others. This will stimulate downtown and the business climate. Landlords need to stop gouging the small independent business people who would then add some diversity to the shopping downtown. "

tomhansen wrote on Jul 9, 2009 5:16 PM:

" Additionally, nobody wants to park in a scary remote, (especially for women, who do much of the shopping) parking garage and walk 1/2 mile round trip to go to Merrills to buy a bottle of aspirin. People like looking for a space near their destination and getting in and out. Since Napa downtown was effectively killed off in the 70's, there's now 0% chance to get the old magic back. I'll be pleasantly surprised if it does. But with the death of downtown by the "then city fathers" and the advent of box stores in the meantime, you may as well hope, and have a better chance of this revitalization of downtown, happing in ones afterlife.
Good luck, you'll need a lot of it and a miracle to boot. "

sickothis wrote on Jul 9, 2009 5:40 PM:

" Suzie - you're right. Thankfully, the rest of the world has moved on and the Altimiras are being called out. Either develop the property appropriately or don't. Work with the downtown folks or not. I really don't care which happens as long as something happens with their property. At some point the city will grow a pair and tell them to either use the pot or move on. "

jovigirl wrote on Jul 9, 2009 5:44 PM:

" Look at Walnut Creek. It has a little of everything and people travel to shop and dine there. Does Napa feel that it is just too above that type of atmosphere? "

clonapa wrote on Jul 9, 2009 6:55 PM:

" A few ideas: Gymbore, The Jungle, Gap, Tiffany, Califonia Pizza Kitchen, Macys, Dave and Busters, ESPN Zone, Pottery Barn, Barnes and Nobles or Borders, Panera Bread...I would love to go in my own backyard and keep my money in Napa, but have to go outside of the city for these stores and family establishments. Its time to listen to the voices of the locals already! "

samaker wrote on Jul 9, 2009 7:20 PM:

" After looking through all of the comments, I have noticed that not a single person seems to support the spending of 100k on a so cal consultant. Perhaps the city council should re-consider how they are spending the scarce money. "

diehard4ever wrote on Jul 9, 2009 7:33 PM:

" Hollister, Abercrombie, Aeropostale and a Vans store.

That will get every teen in Napa to shop here instead of going to Fairfield/Santa Rosa/SF. 95% of people at Redwood wear at least 2 of those brands on a daily basis. And I like Hollister. =D "

diehard4ever wrote on Jul 9, 2009 7:35 PM:

" clonapa-
Gymbore and Gap are at the Outlets. We have a Copperfields by Whole Foods... "

antipc wrote on Jul 9, 2009 7:41 PM:

" I'm sick of these never ending studies. Waste, waste, waste , & never a conclusive resolution.

If the elected officials aren't dedicated enough to know what's going on around them, then we have the wrong folks in office. "

LMW wrote on Jul 9, 2009 7:51 PM:

" 100,000 on study, that money would not be spent to assist downtown if locals did a better job supporting it! Is what it is....

Shop, dine and entertain locally:)))))) "

danfromnapa wrote on Jul 9, 2009 8:04 PM:

" another $100,000 wasted! "

Madison Jay Hamilton wrote on Jul 9, 2009 8:24 PM:

" Why entice regional and national chains to be in Napa? Why not encourage local, private, smaller businesses?

Support local business ownership! "

jimihil wrote on Jul 9, 2009 9:01 PM:

" Seems clear by the comments that the locals are ready to spend their dollars in Napa. What the Altamura's are doing seems to be hurting the downtown from growing, but hey this is capitalism folks... love it or not. Our economic system requires INCENTIVE for it to work... there doesn't seem to be much of that going around the downtown area. Maybe someone needs to give property owners an incentive to do something with their property. I'll leave it up to someone else to figure out what that incentive might be. Hopefully the City "planners" (I use the term loosely- just look at the abomination that was allowed to be built at 1st and Main several years ago- that building wouldn't even look good in LA), will read all of these constructive comments and devise a thoughtful, structured, focused and cohesive... (I'll type it large and slowly so they can understand) P-L-A-N. Tear down the Mervyns and County Building and create a real Plaza. As always, my sage advice is FREE! "

economist wrote on Jul 9, 2009 10:49 PM:

" There's much to be said about the "Square" downtown's of Sonoma and Healdsburg: pedestrian traffic, community focal points, etc. So condemn and raze the Napa Town Center and the adjacent parking structure between the new hotel and Kohl's. Create a town square/community meeting place (for farmer's markets and similar events). To property owners, this reduction in space will help keep rents stable. "

reason-ator wrote on Jul 10, 2009 12:49 AM:

" Maybe they should charge admission to downtown to pay for all the studies.

But first, we should pay a Chinese or Japanese or German business firm to do a study on why nobody does business with local businesses. "

ridesingsmile wrote on Jul 10, 2009 12:58 AM:

" Where did the city "find" this 100k??Seems like any time a citizen makes a request for an improvement, the city cries "poor". Yes, the rents should be reviewed. But, I've also been told by business tenents that there are some other rather disturbing trends occuring: one in which the tenent is being "extorted" to pay for repairs to the property--such as new roofing and other normal building maintenance. "

Rocketman wrote on Jul 10, 2009 6:14 AM:

" ridesingsmile wrote on Jul 10, 2009 12:58 AM:

" Where did the city "find" this 100k??

They had a lay off of part time employees that provided a valuable service to the citizens of your community!! "

Bauhausfan wrote on Jul 10, 2009 6:24 AM:

" Rent per square foot for retail space?

Wasn't there an article about a store leaving downtown because they raised the rent?

Since the downtown is doing so well it makes perfect sense.

Here is another thought. There is too much retail space downtown. Within a mile of downtown there is already a ton of retail at the outlets.

Obviously the owners of the empty buildings are ok with them being empty, otherwise they would do something about it. "

skippert wrote on Jul 10, 2009 6:59 AM:

" Ok, let me get this straight. You think you need to do a survey to figure this out. All you need to do is ask KELLY from NO BAD DAYS CAFE. If you didn't notice she is gone now too. I have three words for you, RENT TO HIGH.
Give me a break NAPA. This is not rocket science. It is about a community. Give us something good, fun, entertaining and above all reasonable priced. "

Ruff Limblog wrote on Jul 10, 2009 7:28 AM:

" And there's nobody in Napa that could do a 'study' for $100K?

They HAVE to pick somebody from Southern California because there's NOBODY in Napa, Napa County or Northern California that could do a blankety-blank 'study'?

What a bunch of stumblebums.

~Ruff "

larrysbird wrote on Jul 10, 2009 7:49 AM:

" That is the best idea I have heard besides closing state parks! I am all for useless spending in a time of crisis. Why should locals get a say in what goes on? We would only waste time and money on things that would be utilizied by average consumers, not by big money folks from out of town.
-For the ones who comment that locals are whining and complaining and that the Altamares are only smart businessmen-thats a load. Anyone who cares about this town can see where the problems are, and I for one am tired of being powerless to stop any of the useless spending and idiotic reasoning that goes on here. "

Sassy1 wrote on Jul 10, 2009 7:50 AM:

" I cant remember when I went downtown to shop, eat, or even look to see what is new.... yeah Kohls will be nice maybe when it open I might take a gander downtown but other then that shopping is better somewhere else. So yes I agree we need something for the locals cuz tourists dont care they come and go but WE live here WE are the ones to bring the money ask US what WE want! "

Dirty Napkin wrote on Jul 10, 2009 7:51 AM:

" Move Trader Joes down town! "

diehard4ever wrote on Jul 10, 2009 8:50 AM:

" LMW-
I CAN'T shop locally! The stores I shop at are all out of town! Get rid of the antique stores and open stores for teens. I'm willing to bet that the spending in Napa will double. "

Sandra wrote on Jul 10, 2009 8:57 AM:

" $100,00.00 to do a study? You got to be kidding me....the problem is very simple. THE RENTS ARE TOO HIGH!!!!
Why don't you take that $100,000.00 and subsidize some tenants rent for a year, or two. Why don't you talk to the land owner and get whoever he is to realize some rent is better than no rent, and to lower the prices. This is just ridiculas. "

clonapa wrote on Jul 10, 2009 10:33 AM:

" WHAT !!!! KELLYS/NO BAD DAYS IS GONE. Shows how much I go downtown...this is to bad. Her food was one of my fav in the valley.

diehard4ever
Gymbore is not only a clothing store but a gym for youngster(toodlers) and the Gap is an outlet store. "

Chev57 wrote on Jul 10, 2009 10:49 AM:

" The city needs to listen to the people. How long did we ask for Trader Joes? "

rico wrote on Jul 10, 2009 11:03 AM:

" die hard, as usual, your comments are self serving. Teens do not account for 95 % of spending in Napa -- you are only speaking from your own, limited experience.

clonapa, Gymboree in Napa is not a gym. Have you been there? "

wyngyrl wrote on Jul 10, 2009 11:05 AM:

" Pasadena, Long Beach & San Jose??! Why don't they research Walnut Creek, Santa Rosa, and Corte Madera - which is where I drive to go shopping. I've lived in Napa 20 years now and the problem has always been the same - it's boring and the selection is limited. I'm guessing the $100,000 consultants will reach the same conclusions. "

kkjp wrote on Jul 10, 2009 11:59 AM:

" Paying $100K for a study is insanity. Why not just hand it to Altamura as an "incentive" to finally rent out his many empty commercial buildings, which is the core of the problem?

Speaking of Altamura, is he complying with the earthquake retrofitting requirement on his properties? If not, what is the City doing to enforce that ordinance? Perhaps if he was forced to make those costly improvements, he would be more interested in leasing out his properties to recoup his expenses. "

clonapa wrote on Jul 10, 2009 12:59 PM:

" rico

My post was in response to diehard

There is Gymboree clothing and Gymboree Play & Music (Concord). "

cab e-girl wrote on Jul 10, 2009 1:12 PM:

" Spending a $100,000 on a publicly funded study when common sense would tell most of us that the landlords in downtown Napa have been extorting rent from small business for years. The economy could support such outrageous rents. Now it can't. The solution? Offer sweetheart longterm leases to both chains and those with a dream to be in business for themselves. If I was a landlord I would be looking for longterm leases and would be willing to take less money for rent, than collect nothing at all. "

magnum wrote on Jul 10, 2009 1:14 PM:

" $100K could have been used for a lot more things than a study to show that the rent is too high for local store owners. "

post-it wrote on Jul 10, 2009 1:38 PM:

" Why don't the downtown merchants hire their own consultant? Why do they have government doing their bidding?

Is the city constraining business downtown by limiting the use of the properties? Do we need a 100K study to tell us this?

Retailers downtown could enhance some of their own business by staying open later. Most stores are closed in the evenings when those that work have time to go out and shop.

I'd rather see 100K devoted to tangible projects downtown, projects as simple as street repairs, or assistance on seismic repairs on long term leases. Historic preservation grants is another idea for this money. A study only creates a volume of paper. "

xgrapecrusher wrote on Jul 10, 2009 2:02 PM:

" $100k what a waste! Why not ask the public and save the tax payers money? "

diehard4ever wrote on Jul 10, 2009 2:09 PM:

" rico-
I meant 95% of TEENS!!!! Not people in general. Go to any Middle School in Napa (Harvest, Redwood, etc.) during school hours (when school starts, obviously) and see if you can go 3 seconds without seeing one of the brands I mentioned. It's impossible.

clonapa-
I know. The clothing Gymboree and Gap are in the Napa Premium Outlets. I haven't been to either in a while because most of it doesn't fit me or I don't like it. "

freeport56 wrote on Jul 10, 2009 2:55 PM:

" How about better rates on rent to ease up on the business owner. Sky high rents in a down economy will not bring businesses to downtown! "

valleylocal wrote on Jul 10, 2009 3:02 PM:

" Don't we have local experts? Anyone on the planning commission heard of "hire local"? What a waste. You can pay me much less than that to tour Walnut Creek, Sonoma or Healdsburg to see what they've done.

100K would fix a lot of pot holes and clean up many of the weeds that line the streets that make up this town. That alone and would make it so much more attractive. Instead pay some out of town consultant that doesn't give a rip about Napa, only their fee.

City Council should be ashamed. When is the next election? "

napanatheart wrote on Jul 10, 2009 3:45 PM:

" what the heck- why is the city of napa paying for this. why aren't the landlords of these ugly empty buildings paying for it together, possibly based on the square footage of their empty buildings??! "

cab e-girl wrote on Jul 10, 2009 3:48 PM:

" It's nice to see the left and the right has found some common ground. "

BilLy wrote on Jul 10, 2009 3:50 PM:

" You know what is really great Napa contracts almost everything out...get a parking ticket and try and contest it...some lame company in San Diego handles that and they say take us to court if you want to fight it ! Oh issues with any city tax? Some company God knows where (Ohio?) will contact you and yes they have no idea what is going on. Sounds like this whole $100k is just an example of how lazy this city is and then they wonder why were are in such horrible shape....duh
The problems with downtown Napa are a direct result of a lazy, passive city and ruthless landlords and both are getting theirs now...karma is a b.... (you know what) Once government at all levels learns to be PROACTIVE instead of waiting for problems like this one to get so far out of hand ....shame on the city of Napa "

tuppence wrote on Jul 10, 2009 4:01 PM:

" A $100,000 study that nobody will read - or follow its recommendations - done so the city "leadership" can say they did due diligence. Why not have the under-worked and overpaid city staff due the study? What a waste of money! It goes on and on and on and on... "

UncleStuy wrote on Jul 10, 2009 4:26 PM:

" How long has the Uptown Theater been closed and under renovation ? Ya, too long. How long will it take to get renters for downtown Napa ? "

justnana wrote on Jul 10, 2009 5:23 PM:

" I think we would all love to hear a rebuttal to ANY of the comments here from someone (or all members) of the City Council. I challenge someone to put up a logical argument why they voted for this travesty. If they can't justify it...I know who I WON'T be voting for next time...incumbents = history! "

sotto voce wrote on Jul 10, 2009 5:58 PM:

" Dear Straight Talking Councilman: You are the only one brave enough to engage in this forum.

Your silence is deafening!

So how do you justify this $100K study by an out of town outfit?

!!!We are listening!!! "

itsbushesfault wrote on Jul 10, 2009 7:59 PM:

" Let me guess?
Are these the same people that are going to spend the 129 million that we barrowed from China?

Why don't you tell the landlords to lowers the dam rents! for everyone

in turn you give them tax breaks
permit break
retro-fit loans
bussiness licenses cheaper

its takes 3
landlord
bussiness owner
and city

but I'm sure they will just mess it all up like everything else "

napablogger wrote on Jul 10, 2009 10:15 PM:

" the problem with lower rents is that you end up with, well, a paycheck loan store, a pawn shop, a liquor barn, you end up with downtown San Pablo. We dont' want low end and the high places are not going to rent there if they start seeing stuff like that. If you rent month to month you get people who can only afford month to month.

It is a more difficult problem than people realize, and for one I think let's spend the money and see what comes back. "

Old Time Napkin wrote on Jul 11, 2009 7:40 AM:

" In the 60's we had a viable downtown. We had local businesses and they all did well. Then along came redevelopment. All set up by the city management and politicians. They tore down old buildings, put up ugly new ones, raised the rents and many local businesses closed their doors. Downtown never recovered. Go to any town that implemented redevelopment and you will see the same thing.
It's going to be tough to turn this around and a $100,000 study sure as heck isn't going to do it. Old Timers warned the city that redevelopment would not be good , but they were ignored. This city has a habit of not listening to it's locals or to people who have been here for a long time. "

winewoman wrote on Jul 11, 2009 10:51 AM:

" napablogger - there's wide range between rents today and the "low end" examples you cited. I don't anybody here who is advocating "low end" - I think people just want to see reasonable rents. The rents today are not reasonable. There are a wide variety of store/tenant options in the "reasonable" arena. It really isn't an either/or situation. "

dmom wrote on Jul 11, 2009 9:35 PM:

" Napablogger said: "... the problem with lower rents is that you end up with, well, a paycheck loan store, a pawn shop, a liquor barn, you end up with downtown San Pablo. We dont' want low end... "

All due respect, you're dead wrong here. I've owned two successful Napa businesses and in both cases the landlords worked with me to keep my rent low initially. I negotiated; they agreed. I STILL paid top dollar plus TI equal to SF rates after a graduated increase over a five-year span. The ONLY way a legitimate new small business with limited capital ( because they need to sink it into inventory and advertising at the beginning) is to have a landlord who is willing to talk terms. Lower rents, facade upgrades, signage, interior upgrades, etc. should always be negotiated.

Downtown already pays more in business tax due to the "pedestrian district" benefit, and I use benefit loosely, so it seems to me that anyone interested in opening a retail space here at this point in time should absolutely expect a reduced rent rate upon signing a lease. Supply-demand. The city wants to fill space. There's the negotiating power.

And, as it seems you're a bit misinformed, the city still must approve each and every business license so you're not going to get a downtown "pawn shop" unless the city finds it viable. I seriously doubt it. "

LMW wrote on Jul 12, 2009 2:24 AM:

" Diehard

To shop dine locally, I agree we would need a mix. A mix that you or I cannot choose, but it is up to a community to give a reason why they should invest in downtown, which we can create by marketing what we see as a priority in our valley. Noticeably, we still don't know what that it is. Until we do, Child Friendly City! know how much influence our children have on everything???

Children before Politics!!!! "

2416 wrote on Jul 12, 2009 7:43 AM:

" I just visited Downtown for the first time on Saturday. Just like our town, Benicia, it appeared, the few people that were strolling around/shopping were out of towners. I'll bet you 80% of Napa residents never go near the downtown but are the first to give their opinions and complain. The @100k would have been better spent getting a Chamber of Commerce that know how to market and advertise to tourists. And to all of you that responded to this article, why not pledge to actually GO downtown to eat/shop once in a while. "

LMW wrote on Jul 12, 2009 2:38 PM:

" 2416

Your on it!!! And that's to all 5 chambers, seek big picture... "

skeptic wrote on Jul 12, 2009 6:08 PM:

" i am a consultant. it's easy. you just print up some business cards that say,"consultant" and, boom, you are one. no college or even high school required. no degree and no certification by the state.
pick any area you consider yourself an expert in and you are in business.an exception is "financial consultant" you have to have training a pass a test to
my charge for the advice to lower the rent so the laws of supply and demand eventually fill empty rentals ? $37.50 . of course anyone can get that advice in this blog from anyone who understands a bit of economics.
for another 50 bucks i will tell you that in a depression (not a typo ) buildings will remain empty as more and more people are thrown out of work and only have enough money for essentials , not vacations or window shopping .
call yourself a "planning consultant" and get rich telling cities the things that are repeated by many bloggers as obvious .
it's hard getting cities, hospitals or colleges to admit how much they pay for consultants but i wonder if it isn't an amount almost equalling the deficits that mean the state is reduced to handing out i.o.u.''s
if it is , can i have $10,000 for pointing it out and saving us from loosing our credit rating , which will cost billions in future years because if increased interst we have to pay ?
by firing all consultants for a year we may be able to balance the budget.if it isn't enough, fire all the quarter million dollar u.c.administrators that have one professor each to boss around.
that last one may sound crazy but the s.f. chron. has an article online about it. "

diehard4ever wrote on Jul 12, 2009 7:03 PM:

" LMW-
I agree. I don't go to Fairfield because I don't want to support the stores in Napa, it's because Fairfield has what I want! I'm not going to shop at Kohl's because it's in Napa if I don't like the stuff! Honestly, the 5 or so stores I mentioned aren't usually very large. They might take up half of the available space where the future Kohl's is. You could fill the rest with other stuff, like a mom and pop coffee kiosk (think courtyard) and high end stores (Gucci) like someone said. A few "classic" stores, like Old Navy, Gap and Gymboree. And then some for the average adults (Levi, Ann Taylor, and a few like them) A shopping center for the family. Remember the concerts they had (have?) by future Kohl's? Bring those back! Get local talent! Get rid of the gangbangers that hang out in front of the place and turn it into a "family" (as in something for everyone) courtyard shopping center! If we had things for different age groups and classes, why wouldn't we stay in Napa and save the gas money? "

glenroy wrote on Jul 13, 2009 6:19 AM:

" I agree with ‘old time napkin’ ...... Napa had some great stores….then The Redevelopment Agency convinced the City to tear down some of the Cities most unique buildings, move parking a couple blocks away from the most popular stores, start a massive County Building building binge…ultimately, they managed to ruin a couple dozen viable businesses….while making it impossible to shop or drive through town….

Only a government agency can accomplish that and not get run out of town. "

post-it wrote on Jul 13, 2009 9:57 PM:

" Those clamoring for a "square" ought to realize that in Healdsburg and Sonoma, it is a great place to find some day laborers.... In Napa you will find them at Home Depot.

downtown parking garages are scary? "

diehard4ever wrote on Jul 14, 2009 7:25 AM:

" post-it-
I'd rather see them there than pot-smoking gangbangers... and they would probably stay at Home Depot because that's where you go for hardware stuff, so if you go there you're probably going to need help installing whatever you bought. "

magnum wrote on Jul 14, 2009 12:51 PM:

" As we approach the 100 comments mark, I think each of us should get a $1000 each for our ideas. As I was talking around downtown last weekend, I have to admit, it does look nice. However, the only way new stores are going to come in.....
1) lower the rent
2) clear out the loiters
3) have dogowners clean up after their pets
4) more parking "

vocal-de-local wrote on Jul 14, 2009 9:55 PM:

" The problem with the Downtown area is: getting there. It seems that most successful downtown areas have a beautiful main street which exits directly into a downtown area from a main road.

With Napa, once you exit Hwy 29, it seems that there is a zig zag pattern of streets, some one way, some not. It's probably confusing to visitors. I avoid it. I was trying to figure out today exactly WHY I don't like going there and it's partly the "entry" that I don't like.

So which exit is the most direct for people to travel Downtown? When exiting First St. from hwy29, it should flow directly into First St. and lead all the way to Downtown. People shouldn't have to zig zag down to Second St. An "entry" to an area is very important and there should be a "WELCOME" banner across the road. Try to make it visible from Hwy 29.

First St., all the way down from Hwy 29 to Downtown should be decorated with special light fixtures. They should turn it into one lane and have nice sidewalks lining the road on both sides.

From Hwy 29, there should be a sign which says "Napa River Town" exit. Napa IS a river town and they should definitely promote that concept.

But this all costs money. Make a good entry, provide easy and reasonably priced parking, add a few good shops, restaurants and water activities (kayaking races, remote controlled boating events etc) evening concerts, and they will come. Not a bad idea to add some tasteful nightlife too, with outdoor gas firepits and music events. But the "entry" is the missing equation. "

5th generation napan wrote on Jul 15, 2009 8:17 AM:

" I agree with people about Sonoma. The square is beautiful and every time I've gone into the stores there, there is definitly a different, more friendly community attitude there.

I know the city would never do it, but I'd like to see is this;

#1) lower rents so small "home" grown businesses can come in.

#2) Bring back the Antique stores, My friends in the bay arear use to pilgimage to napa to visit the antique stores in town and the red hen. Their almost all are gone now. Cant afford the space.

#3) Tear down the 2nd street parking garage and the "Carithers" building, where the assessors office is, leaving the historic buildings next to it alone.
Build a PARK connecting the Couthouse to the plaza.

#4) Rebuild the parking garage behind the Native sons building to replace the 2nd street garage, make it right say 3 or 4 stories, designed for large cars to navigate this time and "outside" elevators that work. Charge say 50 cents per hour with a toll taker that can also watch the place for safety.

#5) Then utilize the new "park" for a varity of scheduled activities, Hot rod shows, Art in the park shows, Outside theater shows, etc. This would then give a corridor to tie the downtown from third street to first. Alow public events without shutting down the main street, and promote more walk around traffic to patronize the downtown stores.

Downtown Napa needs to be know for something other than "hey we're part of the wine region". Its needs to be know for something like the"antique and art center".
The copia concept was right only executed wrong. Bring in local food wine art and history shops. "

diehard4ever wrote on Jul 15, 2009 1:17 PM:

" magnum-
Sounds great to me. I could use that money for a car in a few years... hello old Mustang! =D "

robustdan wrote on Jul 17, 2009 6:45 AM:

" The City Head Shed should have saved the 100K and lowered the rent so the existing business stay in the downtown area. This lower rent might even have attracted some new business into the area. At the very least they could have hired a local firm to do this unnecessary study. "

mof2 wrote on Jul 17, 2009 8:44 PM:

" Ask our own City Manager, he is from Walnut Creek, right? You could take that same $100 k and pay his salary, or most of it, for one year. Looks like Walnut Creek has hit the nail on the head. Why doesn't the City Council listen to it's own knowledgeable staff instead of paying a consultant? And as many have pointed out, not even a NorCal consultant. I hate SoCal. Isn't part of the reason Mr. Parness was hired because of his work in Walnut Creek? "

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