A San Diego neighborhood is building a parklet in the heart of is business district.
North Park is about to become one of the first communities in San Diego to build the parklet, which look similar to outdoor deck with chairs and umbrellas.
It will be built on the 3900-block of 30th Street, directly in front of Caffe Calabria, who's owner will help pay for it and maintain it.
The idea was pitched to the city by Kevin Clark with the business group North Park Main Street to increase biking and pedestrian friendliness.
“Mainly it's for sitting and enjoying the sun and talking and enjoying your day outside,” said Clark.
But there have been some concerns made by locals. It will take up several parking spots, where parking is at a premium, and 30th Street just north of University Avenue is extremely congested with traffic at times.
“That's just asking for a car chase scene out of Indiana Jones to happen, like a car mows over a ton of pedestrians,” said Normal Heights resident Leia Anderson.
The parklet will also extend into the road, which concerned City Heights resident Dario Velarde.
“To tell the truth, I'm kinda wondering why you want to put all the tables in the street,” he said.
The parklet, which costs close to $20,000, will be temporarily open for a sixth month trial starting at the end of June.
It will then be evaluated on several criteria, said Clark.
“How the parklet is maintained, because a private owner will maintain the parklet, and also how well is it used, are they being utilized, is it a success with the people, do the people enjoy it?” he said.
Depending on the success of the parklet in North Park, there are plans to build four others in yet to be determined locations.
The rendering below shows what the North Park parklet will look like.
