Downtown Precise Plan - Survey #1 Results

Downtown Precise Plan June 2020

Survey #1 Results Overview

Why do a survey? ● Gauge opinion ● Understand perspectives ● As a community engagement tool: ○ Raise awareness of precise plan project ○ Get residents thinking about downtown ○ Increase participation in the planning process

Who took the survey? ● 728 Respondents ● About evenly split between four age groups: 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, and 65+ ● 97% of respondents live in Orinda ● 45% have lived in Orinda more than 20 years

Who took the survey?

Who took the survey?

Orinda Population as a Whole

Who took the survey?

Question 1-- Overall Satisfaction with Downtown

Question 2-- What people like about downtown Respondents like downtown’s scale and small-town feel, the availability of basic services, the community park and plaza, friendliness of local merchants, easy and free parking, the movie theater, proximity to BART, the trees, and the predominance of “mom and pop” non-chain restaurants and stores.

Question 2-- What people like about downtown I might run into friends Friendly, non-chain stores with warm neighborhood feeling It looks like Orinda (i.e., not "slick" --- still small & country Woodsy Valley setting It’s not too big Pleasant store owners and employees The restaurants are always filled with locals

Spectrum of dining options BART proximity Has most of what we need locally Small town feeling There are some nice restaurants, salons and stores Easy parking

Independent shops

Small village feel

It's not dominated by chain stores

Movie theater, Library & park

not too much traffic

Neighborhood, friendly merchants you can get to know.

The sense of community, with locally supported 'mom and pop' small business Has everything I need

Walkability

Homey, a bit frayed about the edges - like me.

Community events, Art

Cleanliness

Its quaint with a lot of new young energy Socializing & watching sports with local Orinda regulars Basic amenities (gas, dry cleaning, drug store)

Question 3- What people don’t like about downtown Respondents had a lot more to say about what they don’t like about downtown than what they like (perhaps not surprising with an overall satisfaction of just 52%). All told, respondents used more than 10,400 words to respond to this question (as compared to just 6,400 words in reponse to the question regarding what people like about downtown).

Poor aesthetics is one of the main complaints. Lack of parking is another.

Question 3- What people don’t like about downtown Underutilized space with little vitality Controlled by the Rustic Village Mafia, which has resulted in no change and antiquated buildings and businesses.

Outcompeted by Lafayette no serious vegetarian menus in restaurants

Unlike Lafayette, it does not evolve or adapt. It is stuck in 1960’s Village side has a very linear designed - not centralized or conducive to strolling between stores; instead, must drive Too sleepy and quiet

50s, strip mall architecture

Lack of Innovative restaurants

The awful trash cans.

no local art/craft galleries

Parking south of freeway too difficult

No bakeries or delicatessen

separation by freeway No pub Village side is not much to look at Stunning lack of diverse coffee, food, beverage and retail options moribund stores and services Not enough of anything interesting

Not a "destination" to have fun with friends/family No decent grocery store Lacks charm very dated buildings Getting tacky looking Need for more nightlife, revitalization

Question 3- What people don’t like about downtown Services (ie. estate offices) taking prime spaces that could be used for retail/restaurants Parking lots galore on north side along Orinda Way

A little too sleepy

Electric towers

Lacking stores to keep me shopping in Orinda

Not clean

The large gas station in the middle of it--not necessary Architecture is horrible

CVS, probably the ugliest bldg in Orinda, poorly maintained; Rite Aid is almost as bad as CVS backs of shops and garbage bins visible from Camino Pablo

It would be nice to have a good market i.e. Blacks or Diablo foods or even a Trader Joe's in the Rite Aid Spot

channelized "disappeared" creek and total absence of natural beauty Wish it stayed open. A bit later on weekends Dowdy, Lacks aliveness Nothing for teens to do

The strip mall feel on the village side Large stores like Safeway attract too many non-locals TEENAGE KIDS HANGING OUT

urban blight across from golf course - old stores Totally lifeless, eerily vacant most days Lack of housing

Dumb space allocations -- gas stations in the middle, useless real estate storefronts in the middle. need multi use buildings

Question 4-- Favorite place in Theater District When asked about their favorite place in the Theater District, respondents gave a big shout out to a few eateries/pubs in Theater Square such as the Fourth Bore, Saffron, Starbucks, and Cine Cuvee. Peets on Moraga Way was also a big standout.

Question 5-- Favorite place in Village District On the Village side of downtown, public facilities and spaces tend to be respondent's favorite spaces, followed closely by some favorite restaurants.

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda Many respondents took the time to answer this question with specific buildings or neighborhoods that could serve as a model for downtown Orinda.

The most-referenced areas were downtown Lafayette and Danville as well as parts of Oakland (esp.

Rockridge) and Walnut Creek.

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

The following photos are of properties, streets and areas that were specifically mentioned in response to Question 6. An asterix* indicates that the place was mentioned more than once.

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Downtown Danville*

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Bonanza St, Walnut Creek

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Diablo Foods, Lafayette*

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Marketplace Rockridge*

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

2301 Broadway St., Oakland

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Fiesta Square, Lafayette*

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Downtown Palo Alto*

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Los Altos Safeway (*Downtown Los Altos mentioned a few times)

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Lafayette

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Jupiter Pizza and Beer, Shattuck Ave. Berkeley*

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Mill Valley Lumber Yard*

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

1460 Mt. Diablo Blvd Walnut Creek

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Ivy St. San Francisco

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Chestnut Street San Francisco Marina Neighborhood*

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda Downtown Danville*

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Postino’s Lafayette*

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Oakridge Health Club, Lafayette

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

699 Main St., Martinez

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Downtown Mill Valley*

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

4th Street, San Rafael

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

1500 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Walnut Creek*

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Fourth Street Berkeley*

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

53 Lafayette Cir, Lafayette

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

3599 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette*

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Downtown Carmel*

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Downtown Ojai

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Gus’ Market, Harrison St SF

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Marin Country Mart*

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek*

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

116 Kearny St, SF

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Rockcliff Realtors Building, Walnut Creek

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Downtown Burlingame*

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Peasant and the Pear, Danville

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Elmwood District, Berkeley*

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Napa Riverfront

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Rockridge District, Oakland*

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Lesher Center, Walnut Creek

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Clock Tower Center, Danville

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

3585 Mt.Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette*

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Pizza Antico Building, Lafayette*

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Proposed building in Berkeley on Kitteredge Street

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Bishop Ranch (City Center), San Ramon

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Larkspur Landing

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Happy Valley Road, Lafayette

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Downtown Calistoga

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

H2 Hotel Healdsburg

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Berkeley Rep

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Hacienda, Moraga

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

San Rafael Town Center

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Lafayette Mercantile Building*

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Main Street, Walnut Creek

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Oxbow Market, Napa*

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Strawberry Village shopping center, Marin

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Claremont Hotel

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

East Bay Booksellers, Oakland

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Sprouts mixed use building, Oakland

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Piedmont Ave, Oakland*

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Downtown Orinda

Montclair Village, Oakland*

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Orinda

The Shed, Healdsburg

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Orinda

Veranda Shopping Center, Concord

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Orinda

4th Street Berkeley*

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Orinda

Safeway on Shattuck Ave, Berkeley

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Orinda

Rincon Center, San Francisco

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Orinda

Woodland Market, Kentfield

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Orinda

6752 Washington Street, Yountville

Question 6-- Buildings elsewhere that would fit in Orinda

Oakville Grocery, Healdsburg

Question 7-- Thinking about uses on private property, what do you wish there was more of downtown? (select your three top choices)

Question 7-- Thinking about uses on private property, what do you wish there was more of downtown? (select your three top choices)

Question 7-- Thinking about uses on private property, what do you wish there was more of downtown? (select your three top choices) Interpreting the results: ● Parking is usually an ancillary use (secondary to the primary land use on a property) ● Arts and Events are not always associated with buildings (think: Food Trucks, 4th of July Parade, Car Show, Lamorinda Idol, public art, etc.) The high ranking of Arts and Events shows that this use needs to be embraced in the DPP. ● Most of the “Other” categories were an extension of the retail/restaurant category (for instance, Diablo Foods or specialty market) ● Housing will never be at the top of people’s list because almost 100% of the respondents already have a home in Orinda. The natural focus will be on activities and services that respondents want more of that they would like to use/experience themselves. ● When it comes to uses typically above the ground floor, housing is the #1 response, followed by hotel, medical office and general office.

Question 8-- Future users who should be considered Respondents overwhelmingly feel that when it comes to planning for downtown Orinda, the needs of families with children should be a priority, as well as the needs of seniors.

Question 10-- Personal vision for downtown As might be anticipated, this question elicited a wide range or responses. The main takeaway is that many residents have strong thoughts on downtown Orinda.

Question 13 -- Other thoughts about downtown The planning commission should not approve anything or anyone that does not provide enough parking. There is nothing that can be used in lieu of parking. There should be more stringent parking requirements, not less. Parking can be made beautiful.

I absolutely love it as it is. Parking could be beer on theater side. Village side is perfect for shops and restaurants available and parking is ample. For our family Orinda has everything we need. During the shelter in place we realize we never need to leave Orinda. It has everything!!

A revitalized downtown is critical in order to serve current and future generations of Orinda residents Be more progressive. Stop saying no to everything. We have to evolve.

Stop wasting my tax dollars on consultants and the downtown plan. Spend my tax dollars on fire prevention.

There seem to be a lot of poorly run salons and restaurants that thrive here because of old, loyal customers. We need to attract more mainstream retail like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. Also, chain restaurants such as Taco Bell, subway and McDonald’s should be permitted. We need more middle range restaurants such as super duper and blaze. Downtown village square needs to be more like Lafayette. The stores need to be at front so people can see them and the parking in the back or underground.

Do not build large hotels or housing . There is a lovely sense of community in our already crowded resources. Do not attempt to,attract out of town customers - I am here for the small town feel and will move if this changes .