It’s great news to report that there’s a renewed focus energy
and enthusiasm directed at creating some sort of downtown square
for Gilroy. Ignited by the success of the summer music series, many
have suggested blocking off some or all of Fifth Street to create a
pedestrian-friendly plaza-like space downtown.
It’s great news to report that there’s a renewed focus energy and enthusiasm directed at creating some sort of downtown square for Gilroy. Ignited by the success of the summer music series, many have suggested blocking off some or all of Fifth Street to create a pedestrian-friendly plaza-like space downtown.
It’s an idea worthy of vigorous pursuit and, perhaps, a task force of its own. One of the main champions of downtown revitalization, Mayor Al Pinheiro, should be able to convene such a committee or direct city staff to complete a pertinent report.
The Downtown Specific Plan suggests a similar idea for Hornlein Court and Martin Street as longer-term options. There’s also the possibility of a square near South County Housing’s wonderful cannery redevelopment project. And let’s not forget the cultural center. Perhaps there should be multiple gathering places?
The prospects are exciting, though when it comes to creating a downtown square the watchwords are persistence and caution. What does Gilroy need to accomplish?
• Let’s understand our collective objective in creating a downtown square. Why does Gilroy want one? Is it to increase foot traffic? To make downtown more pleasant? To entice visitors to stay longer? To gather the community for celebrations? We need to build consensus around the goal of a downtown square before we can decide if one is appropriate for Gilroy, and where it should be placed.
• Study other successful downtown squares before creating one in Gilroy. Ask important questions about the squares that achieved similar goals that we want to achieve: What factors contributed to their success? Do those factors exist in proposed Gilroy locations. It wouldn’t hurt to look at a few less-than-successful downtown squares to see if we can glean some what-not-to-lessons.
• Take a hard look at the drawbacks of creating a downtown square. Before a reasonable decision can be made, both sides of the equation must be studied. Very few proposals have no drawbacks, and we must understand any disadvantages in order to weigh them against the advantages.
• Involve all stake holders. If streets are blocked, some businesses might benefit, while others might lose parking or visibility. Creation of a downtown square might positively impact the value of some buildings and their rents, and negatively impact others. This effects both landlord and tenant.
A downtown square is an intriguing idea. That’s evident in that so many people are touting the idea. But let’s make sure we have a clear understanding of the advantages, the objectives and the risks, as well as the involvement of all stake holders. That’s the only way to make certain that any downtown square Gilroy creates is well-located, vibrant and successful.
