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Long Beach is constantly evolving, from the first bike-friendly business district in the country to the Downtown plan.
Well our fair city is not slowing down during the opening weeks of the new-year. As of Jan. 20, Lolas Restaurant is home to the first parklet in southern California. The parklet is located right in front of the restaurant, but I can bet it didn't get much use this weekend.
The grand opening of the parklet was a whole community event which came together with colaberative efforts of Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal, Luis Navarro (Owner of Lola's), Studio One Eleven, JR van Dijs, Inc., Retro Row Businesses, and many more.
Parklets popped up in San Francisco in 2005 as a form of activism but soon became more about using parking spaces that were under utilized in the urban landscape.
The parklet in front of Lola's is one of three restaurants which got approved for constructing parklets curbside. Not only are they appealing to passers-by, but they add about 20 new seats to the existing business without the cost of remodeling.
"What is that about?" asked James K., 26, local resident. After taking a closer look, he quickly commented, "Whoa, I love Lola's as it is. Now I can eat my 'chiles rellenos' while I have a smoke!" Not sure if that would fly, but his enthusiasm was shared by the crowd that gathered for the event.
Have you seen the parklet outside of Lola's? What do you think some of the drawbacks might be? Do you remember these from last years' Park(ing) Day?
Tags: 562citylife, Jesus Hernandez, Lola's, city of long beach, connected corridor, csulb, lb, lbc, lbcc, lbusd, More…
Permalink Reply by Molly Marina Haupt on way to be on it Jesus! I saw them Sunday night and wanted to take pictures today but the rain messed up my plan. Glad you got 'em! They look rad!
Permalink Reply by Kirsten Hale on I got to dine in them last weekend and it was wonderful!
Permalink Reply by Jesus Hernandez on Thanks Molly! I saw the parklet a couple weeks ago when I was in the neighborhood and knew I had to go back and take pix some time.
Permalink Reply by JulsnMatt1028 on Lolas is killing it right now. #Truth
Permalink Reply by Jesus Hernandez on No doubt man, that's the spot to be at on Retro Row
Permalink Reply by Dan H on This is Awesome! A great idea. I wonder if they are allowed to have umbrella's during hot hot times?
Look forward to my first sit-out :)
Permalink Reply by The Man on This is a cool idea and trend that's happening in So Cal right now.
I want to know if there are issues with traffic such as card and buses driving by kicking up dust and smoke. I would be interesting if that wasn't even issue at all.
But sitting outside in the front of Lola's is a major plus. In my opinion, Lola's is the LIFE LINE of 4th Street.
Permalink Reply by Dan H on Technically, the speed limit down that street is 25mph, and if observed would cause less of an issue. On a side note, the concept of adding a Sharrow on that street I believe to not be a good idea, only because traffic is impatient most of the time, and being only one lane in each direction, lends itself to a greater possibility of someone getting hurt.
Permalink Reply by Kelly M Bray on Is the parklet exclusive to that business only or can anyone sit there?
Permalink Reply by JulsnMatt1028 on This particular Parklet is only for paying customers use.
Permalink Reply by Kelly M Bray on Are they paying the city for the use of a public right of way?
Permalink Reply by JulsnMatt1028 on I'm not sure what exactly they're paying the city for, but I know it's been a pretty penny so far. When you say public right away, what exactly do you mean by that? Do you mean about how it takes up a couple of parking spots?
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