Remember back in April, when we talked about how there was going to be a parklet outside Molly Moon’s?
Well, there’s a parklet outside Molly Moon’s!
Erika writes:
Cute idea, but aside from the two swing seats, there is no seating unless you want to plop down on the astroturf. And considering the number of dogs that wander that way with their owners, that doesn’t appear to be the best idea. People park themselves on the sloping window ledges of the fire-destroyed restaurant next door to eat their ice cream. Wouldn’t bench seats all around the parklet have made more sense? Especially since two parking spots were lost in the making of this park.
Shortly thereafter, she amended her report:
Was there this evening and saw plenty of people sit on the astroturf. Still think raised seating would have been preferable…
Have you checked it out? What do you think?
(Photos by Mrs. Wallyhood, taken Sept 19th, when the parklet was still under constructioning.)
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I agree, the swings are really cute and could see many enjoying. However, I also agree that raised seating would be preferred and thought that was part of the plan when we chatted with employees at Molly Moon’s.
It’s weird and it’s only a matter of time before a drunk truck driver crashes into it and dumps empty coors cans on it.
Think it is super cute – but would love to have some benches around it. It doesn’t make sense the way it is…
How is this even legal??? It’s an eyesore. What variance allows people to build in the city right of way?
Sometimes full size benches are not provided because they can attract overnight ( and daytime) use by homeless persons. That was the case at bus stops awhile back.
Hopefully there will be creative solutions and we’ll have outdoor seats at Molly Moon’s.
@Lollygag: follow the link in the article to http://www.wallyhood.org/2014/04/parklets/. It’s a city sponsored program.
There are many parklets in San Francisco and they seem to work well. What about chairs attached to the base or benches with dividers to keep people from sleeping on them.
Parklets are legal and SDOT is piloting them across the city. From the SDOT website:
As part of Seattle’s Public Space Management Program, the Pilot Parklet Program explores whether a permanent parklet program is a good fit for Seattle. Parklets aim to activate streets, create more vibrant neighborhoods, and support economic vitality. SDOT is committed to ensuring that the public right-of-way serves the traveling public—pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, freight, and drivers—and the people living and working along it. The Pilot Parklet Program will create new public spaces while still maintaining a healthy parking supply and ensuring our streets continue to efficiently move people and goods.
Less parking? Seattle is all for it then!
hi folks! we DO have a lot of bench seating planned, but it wasn’t ready to be installed in time with the rest of the parklet, and we wanted to get most of the parklet open ASAP. so… you’ll see an L-shaped bench going in in the coming weeks. i hope you enjoy! and i do hope many of you take a try at sitting in the grassy area. i’ve had fun lounging in the turf, and playing with my daughter in it. and we’ve received a handful of photos where there are 10 or more people lounging in the grass — which was my hope! i designed the parklet this way to add an element of playfulness, which i hope comes through. with the addition of the bench, i hope it can meet almost everyone’s needs. thanks for checking out our parklet!
Nothing like sitting on wet AstroTurf in the fall! Seriously though, if chairs/benches aren’t included, what a waste.
45th needs more love like this. Parts of the street are a little dreary and don’t invite foot traffic. Some of this could be addressed by store owners and the civic groups looking after sidewalks with more planting and improvements of some of the drape storefronts. An improvement like this mini-park could inspire others to step up and look after the street. Check out Queen Anne Ave on top of Queen Anne hill for a very similar main street which is looked after much better than 45th.
An addition benefit of placing a park like this adjacent to the right of way it that it is something which heightens drivers awareness because it’s something different and appears to add risk when passing. Things that add to perceived risk of drivers cause them to reduce their speeds which will add to the safety and walkability of the street.
Urban neighborhoods have often found that when some parking spaces are given up to increase the walkability of a shopping street the increased foot traffic makes up for the loss in parking in terms of shop revenue and vitality of the neighborhood.
With all the complaints on this board about parking I can’t understand why people support removing parking spots for a parklet. Soon enough the astroturf will be covered with dripped ice cream, and who really wants to “lounge” that close to the moving traffic and car fumes? Especially when the lovely Wallingford Playfield is a mere two blocks away.
I appreciate Molly Moons nice design but I really don’t think this is a good use of public space. If having at outdoor area is important to their (or anyone’s) business vision then I think that they should find a location that supports that design feature without encroaching on our already tight public thoroughfare.
Yeah Molly Moon! I love the parklet and think it gives Wallingford more character. Definitely worth the trade in parking space.
Thanks, Molly Moon, for making a gathering space for us in the community and for making our surroundings beautiful as we engage with one another.
This is one of the more numbskull ideas I’ve ever seen (and I work in municipal government)! How does this serve the public better than 2 parking spaces? and does this actually serve the public at all? Seating would be nice, but should public money be used to provide seating for a private business? Granted, it would be open to the public. But of course Molly Moon would be the primary beneficiary. And I love the ice cream, but can’t even imagine the process (was there one??) that led to this. Seems like a McGinn thing – sure hope this wasn’t a Murray initiative.
This is a b.s. move supported by the car haters. Doesn’t anyone here remember all the crap the residents that live on both sides of 45th have to put up with when people take up all the residential parking spaces on their blocks to go to dinner or to a movie or go shopping along the 45th corridor? Smart move to make even LESS parking available in our neighborhoods. I hope someone stops this parklet movement in its tracks one day soon. Seattle doesn’t need more parks or parklets. How about plantings and benches on the sidewalks to mimic what this parklet is supposed to do instead of impacting the rest of us negatively?
@ Kelly W, Have you seen the crowds standing outside Molly Moon’s on a summer’s evening?? People come to Molly Moon’s regardless of the lack of outdoor seating. And they sit/lean wherever they can. It’s clear to me that the primary beneficiary of the benches IS the public, not Molly. This is a relatively small and well-spent public investment to make our neighborhood more neighborly.
I appreciate that Molly Moon has made an attempt to beautify her small stretch on 45th, and wish other business owners would follow suit in cleaning up their tree pits and sweeping the sidewalk, With a few exceptions, the main stretch of 45th from Stone Way to Corliss is a bleak corridor filled with trash and cigarette butts. Do these businesses not realize that their exterior is a reflection of their own style and concern with cleanliness?
Tthis monstrosity is tacky and takes up 2 parking places. Astroturf.glug!
Totally agree with Kelly W! This was not one of the city’s brighter ideas.
That Kelly W. is apparently appalled by the notion of providing public seating with public money has me wondering: How does Kelly feel about spending our tax dollars to provide thousands of FREE curbside parking spaces for Wallingford car owners?
There is no shortage of people who will complain about anything that doesn’t precisely fit into whatever their worldview is. I really hate Wallingford sometimes.
If walkability & beautification is REALLY the attempt, the answer would be to strip the sidewalks of all the signs, tables, chairs, machines, dog dishes, and ALL the other junk illegally cluttering the sidewalks, and use the planting strips as planting strips.That would make the area more walkable and truly beautify 45th. I dare anyone in support of this nonsense to complain about corporate welfare ever again, because this is exactly what it is. It’s time to take back our streets and sidewalks, and make businesses use the square footage they’re paying for instead of the taxpayer’s.
Steve
It clearly has the potential to be a de facto expansion of Molly Moon premises onto the street, at a cost that is likely a pretty good deal for them. But the responsibility for the outcome is not entirely theirs, it’s ours. Specifically, if you like the parklet idea, it’s arguably up to you to get out there and use it, on occasions when you are not a Moon patron. Get something at Fainting Goat, and round up all the people sitting around outside and come over to the parklet. Or a pizza, sandwich, whatever.
If no one but Moon patrons use this, then the city’s giving up road space for private premises, and that kind of thing makes the program look bad.
Can I grab a beer from Bottleworks and drink it in the parklet?
Doug,
Per SDOT website FAQ answer…….”Nice Try”. 🙂
http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/parklets_faq.htm#faq10
Steve
hi everyone! i just wanted to chime in & let people know that no public dollars were spent building the parklet. i made for it myself. to the tune of about $12,000. and i have to insure it and sign a contract with the city saying that i will maintain it. i’m happy to do all of these things, because i think parklets are a great benefit to the community AND to my business. just wanted to clear that public dollars thing up!
*mm
i paid for it myself. not made for it. sorry! autocorrect!
Remind me why Molly Moon’s hates cars?
Oh my god OleMesquite, I’m not a fan either but let’s not be snotty. How is that going to help?
Please correct me if I’m wrong: Wasn’t the space outside Molly Moons previously a 30min load and unload?
There is a parklet near Ivars on lake union, its called a parked bus with people living in it!!
The best solution to this is to rip the damn thing out and admit it was a hair-brained idea to begin with. They should by cited for taking up incredibly valuable parking space – what a stupid idea and an absolute waste of time and money! Sell it for firewood and maybe get SOME of the money back!
It would be great if 45th could become a little bit more like Queen Anne Ave on top of the hill. Molly Moon is making an effort in that direction–and spending her own money to do it–so maybe we could all be a little more supportive of her effort? There are always a lot of people at MM’s and she’s giving some of that success back to the community–how can we not like that?
Hmm–a fun little amenity that brightens up the neighborhood and could inspire more creative landscaping, or two whole cars parked? What to do, what to do?
The San Francisco Great Streets Project conducted a study of three parklets, built on parking spaces in font of a cafe and two casual restaurant on commercial streets like 45th. You can read about the impact of these parklets on pedestrian traffic, street life, and nearby businesses here
http://sfgreatstreets.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Parklet_Impact_Study_wAppendix.pdf
But but but …WON’T SOMEONE PLEASE THINK OF THE CARS!
@37. Chuck, in a string of messages that included some pretty mean-spirited comments {Do we have to use terms like “eyesore,” “damn thing,” “numbskull,” “hair-brained–I believe it’s “hare-brained, by the way–to make a point?}, your message made me laugh. Thank you.
I don’t much like the idea of “parklets,” but experimentation on this small scale doesn’t send me over the edge. I worry more that in Wallingford, the most sacred thing is parking, followed by dogs, then children. Meanwhile, the ability and willingness to consider what other people might enjoy, if it’s contrary to our individual preferences, looks to be absent from the list.
Not sure what to think about that. I do value strong opinions, but I’m less and less inclined to listen if people can’t convey a point of view without being mean.
While we’re complaining about complaining, I’d like to register a complaint about complaining about complaining. If someone doesn’t like something, then they can either keep silent or get ready to be showered with “unwilling to consider what other people might enjoy”, hysterical ridicule like “won’t someone please think of the cars”, should move away, nouveau riche invaders, afraid of change, bla blah. Maybe this seems to some people like about the only way to advocate for something, is to abuse anyone who expresses a contrary view, but it really isn’t very persuasive!
Even if I can’t drink a beer from Bottleworks there, I support this parklet. Especially in front of a place like Molly Moon’s. No one should drive for ice cream. And if you must drive, a little walk to and from your car wouldn’t hurt.
More parklets!
Congrats to MM for having such a successful business. Overall, it is truly good for the neighborhood. I would even argue that having all those visitors park further away is a good thing. They might walk past another of our fine restaurants or a movie theater or a sock store and do more spending.
BUT maybe it’s time to find a space more suited for MM’s success. MM continues to operate in a very small space for probably a very small rent. I know it’s not that straightforward, but there are several larger spaces that have come up in the neighborhood that could accommodate the business better, maybe even some with parking. But the business model seems to be to get a small space with low rent, no seating, make people queue outside because the product is so good (and branded even better), use other properties as your de facto dining room and spend a mere $12K to increase said space as essentially an extension of your premises. It’s cheaper than finding a more suitable space and done under the guise of community building.
To suggest that MM is doing something for the community by “giving back” this parklet is ridiculous when MM is the primary beneficiary.
Thank you Bollyhood, for articulating my same thoughts. Molly Moon’s is a successful business that seems to have outgrown its current location. I’m not a major automobile fan, but we have limited parking on 45th street. Could we not limit it even further when there is abundant park space a block or two away.
@Bollyhood #41,
You did a great job articulating my thoughts!
I love the parklet! Thank you Molly Moon!
I think the parklet adds character to the street — helping make that strip of 45th seem even more neighborhood than thoroughfare. I appreciate Molly Moon’s not just providing a much beloved ice cream shop, but also thinking creatively beyond the front door. Thank you!
I love MM and will continue to go there, but this parklet, while cute/quaint/wallyhoodish really benefits MM. It isn’t fair to the public whose tax dollars pay for those spots, or to the surrounding businesses, who need all the spots they can get for customers. I would be all for this program if 45th was a sleepy shopping street like you might find in Snohomish but its not. This is not a big deal, but the principle bothers me.
I believe that the long lines at Molly Moon’s are intentional, part of the marketing plan. Better to have a smaller place with long lines, which implies it’s a high value, scarce item, than a larger place with shorter lines, which suggests that it’s not as good.
I’m not crazy about the idea, but it’s certainly her prerogative. I don’t get why we would want a successful business to move because…it’s doing too well where it is? How does it hurt the neighborhood to have people out on the sidewalks, talking to each other while they wait?
As for the parklet benefiting her business, yep, definitely. But it’s certainly not the first time the motivation for philanthropy hasn’t been purely altruistic. I won’t grudge it.
And (and I don’t expect lots of agreement on this) I’d be perfectly happy with turning over ALL the parking on 45th St to parklets. More park, less parking!
Seriously people, do I really work and live around some of you?!? There are so many other stressors going on in life and you people are complaining about the loss of two parking spots? And the lack of benches?? How about focusing on the happiness and pleasure that the small park brings the community. First world problems people!!
Thank you Molly Moons for bringing a beautiful piece of green to an eyesore of concrete. May we be blessed with many of these throughout the Seattle area!!
I can’t believe the negativity on here. All because of two silly parking spots! This is something that gives our neighborhood character, fosters community interaction, and looks great. I would love to see what an “Ideal Wallingford” looks like to many of you. For me I can say that it certainly includes more business like Molly Moons, and more interesting features like this.
I laugh following this thread as it shows me why so many marriages fail. 🙂 There’s so much more being talked about than just two parking spots, but most can’t get past that sinful parking issue. I challenge everyone to read beyond the car and parking issue.
Just like in a bad marriage, it’s always the other side with an unacceptable point of view.
Steve
I challenge anyone who complained about their taxes being misspent here to actually accurately determine how much of their individual money was so horribly wasted on this project.
Molly Moon, I really don’t think this thread represents Wallingford. Most everyone I know would prefer a place for 15 or so people to talk over a place for two people to leave their cars. Good on you for being so inventive and taking advantage of this program. And thank you for completely funding the project. Don’t let the neophobes get you down!
We rage rant and scream
At Molly Moon’s parklet dream
More space for ice cream!
@50 What other reason is there not to like this? It was paid for by Molly, it moves a crowd that was already there, as far as I can tell doesn’t produce noise, or pollution, or project pornographic images.
If it is not about two parking spots what is it about?
And for the record, my marriage is great because my wife loves her some parklet.
So someone uses their own money to build a parklet that benefits their own business and screws a city owned street out of two parking spots for the rest of us tax payers? What the heck is up with THAT?!
i just want to thank everyone here for the positivity, and humor!
Just for the record, the first time I saw it (driving by), I found it terribly distracting and a road hazard. Often I’ve wondered why if Molly wanted a community gathering place, why she did not pick a location with ample seating???
Furthermore, $12,000 in materials? This waste of resources prompts me to wonder if reclaimed lumber was ever considered. Astroturf? Gross and not exactly environmentally friendly.
I think it would be super cool if there was no driving on 45th at all, and it was one gigantic promenade. But that’s not realistic. Oh well.
I don’t think the issue is over 2 parking spaces, I think it’s over 2 MORE parking spaces. Over the past handful of years we’ve lost many parking spaces. We have a lot of big public events (wurst fest, farmers market, etc), we have many businesses, parks, schools and restaurants, through traffic and residents (we’re still mostly a residential neighborhood), and I don’t think we have enough parking for all of this. I live by Lincoln HS, and we’ve watched parking get more and more difficult — not because of one parklet, but all the parking that’s being gobbled up by the many different constructions projects going on.
I wonder if taking the Lincoln HS parking lot, and making a parking structure might make sense for helping relieve some parking. It could be made to not be hideous, and if they charge for parking in the structure, the school or city, or our neighborhood could make some money for other projects. The idea sounds hideous, but with some of the projects that are taking place, it seems like hideous is on its way anyway. Just a thought.
Molly Moon, while you may not like or agree with all the sentiments expressed (and certainly some are more constructive and better presented than others), it would be nice if you expressed any sense of interest in hearing from your neighborhood. Both the good and the bad. This isn’t clear cut and you aren’t an innocent victim here.
Blindly dismissing the comments you don’t like with a snide, sarcastic remark doesn’t really demonstrate that you are considering that the impact of your growth may have consequences that you didn’t intend. Or that you care.
This is obviously one example of a larger issue and some of the suggestions are about Wallingford in general, and some are quite specific to your business. Instead of being defensive maybe there are things you can learn and use going forward with developing your business. Nobody wants you to leave Wallingford.
Compare this thread to the recent one about the sports bar – your attitude here isn’t helping the situation/your reputation, while his responses seemed to garner respect and new fans.
Yes, the parklet is a benefit for Molly Moon customers. But it’s a park(let). Unlike patio seating or sidewalk cafe tables, the park is open to everyone. You can sit or stand there if Molly Moon’s is closed, if you’re not eating ice cream–or, yes, if you just bought a waffle cone. That’s what makes it a benefit to the community.
Also, the small size makes it attractive. Large open spaces feel intimidating and very empty. No one wants to be the only one there. A “fun-sized” little park draws attention and feels cozy; it feels good to be there, even alone.
Not everyone loves everything. But what did you say to grandma when she gave you an ugly sweater for your birthday? “Thank you.”
I hope people are a thinking a little harder than that, when reading comments from local businesses. When local business owners perceive some financial advantage in painting themselves in a favorable light here, they will say whatever they think will work, and if they’re motivated enough they’ll round up a cheering squad to chime in. By their deeds shall ye judge them.
Pretty sure my neighbors would FREAK out if I build a parklet in front of my house. And they would be right in doing so. How is this different?
Not hating on MM here, this is a city program, why would she not take advantage of it if it helps her business.
I would hate to be a local business owner.
“Get more involved with the community!” “Contribute!” “We hate your contribution!” “Do what I want!” “No, do what I want!” “You only contributed to the community to make money!” “Why is your business in that space?” “Hey, why did your business leave?”
@Eyflyn, I don’t think MM was defensive, snide or sarcastic. But I think a whole bunch of your neighbors are just tired of the relentless negativity about ANYTHING at all here.
I, for one, haven’t been to MMs in years, but I’m glad she’s there, glad she’s brining biz to the hood, and now glad for this fun little park – which I may never even partake in.
Yesterday as I was walking by (not to) Molly Moons, a gal was soliciting contributions for “Doctors Without Borders”. When I suggested she hit up the ice cream shop business owner as she had just spent $12,000 on “that eyesore”, she looked understandably horrified.
Now that parklets are here, do I get a partial refund on my car tabs or are the pedestrians going to pay their fair share for use of the street?
lollygag,
I can imagine that the young person dedicating time to helping an international aid organization like MSF was absolutely horrified by what you said. But not for the reasons that you imagine. I wonder whether you actually made a donation or just offered the hateful comment in response to her request for help.
And, I personally will gladly refund a portion of your car tabs. Please calculate the portion of your total tab fees (a huge sum of money, right?) that you believe attributable to these two single parking spots out of the thousands available to you every day. I will hand-deliver the reimbursement to you personally. Please feel free to extrapolate out over the next 10 years as well.
Molly Moon — please keep up the good work. My family will patronize you often in return for this parklet, and I will actively encourage others to do so. I would also love to buy a cone for any young people out collecting donations for Doctors Without Borders.
Yay @Christine!! I second that motion!!
I’m over this thread because I feel like all points of view have been offered up and we need to move on before this continues to spiral
I (who is anti-parklet for anyone not keeping track) would love to offer an olive branch and foster a little community love. Anyone want to meet at the parklet tomorrow, Saturday, at 6pm for an impromptu gathering/picnic? I’ll make a big salad and bring plates/forks and we can order pizza delivered.
If 4+ people say they are available and care to join me I will proceed. If not, I really won’t be offended at all, but please chime in so I’m not sitting there holding a big salad when everyone around me is eating ice cream.
@36 Ben – Thanks for the link. It was a very interesting read.
I think the parklet is wonderful. I look forward to more parklets in wallingford.
Tgua comment thread makes me a bit embarrassed to say I live in Wallingford. Geeze.
Oh, and lollygag, I’m guessing almost every adult who uses the parklet also pays car tabs. Never mind the bulk of roads spending comes from the general fund because car tabs are kept artificially low.
well, I drive by there often. The bare wood looks unfinished- likely to fade or be chipped. The green astroturf simply tacky. The plants appear to be a random assortment of weeds. How about more class? More care? Something more appealing?
And to add another point of view.. if Molly really wants more seating there is an empty burned out shell 1 block away which the owner asked us to be a little more patient over a year ago.. something could happen here. A little patience has been held over a year and all we got is graffitti and poorly painted over windows!!!
Cocoloco, I’m sure Molly Moon would love to have something happen next door. But what do you expect her to do–just trespass and open a space in there? It’s all up to the current owner of the burned-out restaurant.
I am not expecting her to do anything illegal. I feel that the community ought to put pressure on the owner who asked us ” to be a bit patient’ 15 months ago to clean it up. Molly might approach him. It is an idea which m ight serve many. Not a demand.
This is one of the most ridiculous things I have every seen.