[CityKid]

Number Nine on Retro Row has opened Long Beach's third parklet according to the Press Telegram. They also report that Belmont Shore Parking and Business Advisory Commission voted not to support parklets in their business district.

Long Beach parklets lead way in Southern California's newest urban planning trend
By Karen Robes Meeks, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/20/2013 04:00:00 PM PST



A parklet at Number Nine restaurant in Long Beach. Last January, Long Beach city officials embarked on the pilot parklet program with three restaurants: Lola's, Number Nine, a Vietnamese restaurant on Retro Row; and Berlin, a cafe in the East Village. This is the first anniversary of parklets in Long Beach. (Stephen Carr / Staff Photographer)


LONG BEACH — One year ago, Luis Navarro took a risk when the owner and chef at Lola's Mexican Cuisine invested in a parklet that would be placed in front of his restaurant.

The parklet, which replaced a prime parking space with a patio with planters, tables and chairs, was lauded as a Southern California first, but also drew some skeptics.

"When it was first launched, people were pessimistic about it," Navarro said. "People didn't understand it. People told us, 'Who's ever going to sit out there?' People just bashed us about it, on how it was so dumb."

But as the weather got warmer and the restaurant was able to serve alcohol, people began to populate the parklet.

"We were jam-packed," he said. "It was the place to be."

...

Losing parking and sidewalk space has also been an issue, officials said. The Belmont Shore Parking and Business Advisory Commission in November voted against supporting parklets in the business district, citing those reasons after George's Greek Cafe inquired about putting a parklet in front of the Second Street business.

Long Beach's first parklet at Lola's by me:


Long Beach's second parklet at Berlin Cafe by me: