148 replies to this topic

[john]

I'd like to know what the MyFolsom.com community feels about this situation. If we get enough votes, I'd like to present this to City Council before they vote on it.

[October15]

I'd like to know what the MyFolsom.com community feels about this situation. If we get enough votes, I'd like to present this to City Council before they vote on it.

I did hear something from one of the merchants about how difficult/expensive it would be to do this due to the fact that there are old mine tunnels underneath the buildings so that leveling the sidewalks could be really complicated. Anybody know how they're planning on doing that?

[mando]

I'd like to keep the medians (the trees) but also extend the sidewalks to accommodate sidewalk cafes.

Has the option of turning Sutter Street into a permanent pedestrian-only "mall" been considered? Pros and cons?

[4thgenFolsomite]

taking out the century old sidewalks would change the historic character of the street for the benefit of only a few businesses. that's a big loss. it wouldn't feel like it was historic any more. there is plenty of room in Folsom for new looks. there are only three short blocks of old Folsom left and if we loose that, we've lost our historic center.

not only that, there are tons of people down there. day and night. I think this whole "let's change sutter street" thing started when the dam road closed and visitors dropped off. It's come back up now.

I think this is more about matching the new construction down the street on the railroad block. A few years ago, it was imperative that the new construction match and compliment the historic street. Now they want to change historic street to match the new construction.

[folsmnancy]

I did hear something from one of the merchants about how difficult/expensive it would be to do this due to the fact that there are old mine tunnels underneath the buildings so that leveling the sidewalks could be really complicated. Anybody know how they're planning on doing that?

I bet they did not think about that ! (old mine tunnels)

I am thinking the trees help keep down some of the pollution !??

[Dave Burrell]

I hope it stays mostly the way it is - with some slight improvements - but I don't want it to turn into Jerry's world with a squeaky clean modern day appearance like he did with the bank - as soon as you get to Pachanaga's that seems to be where old town ends and new town begins

sure its great to have some nice places being built but at the same time it feels like we're losing our historical feeling in old town.

I'd vote to keep old town as authentic to history as possible - we don't need another area in town turned into another shiny new shopping center (we have enuf already)

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

I'd vote to keep old town as authentic to history as possible - we don't need another area in town turned into another shiny new shopping center (we have enuf already)

Ditto.

[Steve Heard]

I think the poll options are skewed.

How would you like to see Sutter Street changed:

Option 1: Remove medians, covered awnings, and extend sidewalks.

Although those are major components of the plan, it is much more complicated than that.

Perhaps it could have been explained that that we have a treasure that is the historic district, that it is under-utilized and fallen into disrepair over the years, that buildings which have burned down have not been replaced, the streets and sidewalks are in various spots uneven, narrow, and broken, that people have tripped and fallen, that curbs are not ADA compliant, that there are numerous empty storefronts, that merchants have complained about lack of business, that we will rely more and more on sales taxes to keep our city services funded, that that means attracting more tourists, that tourists want more than what is offered, that the disrepair is also unattractive, that the medians were built upon the existing street, and that the roots of the trees are shallow and in such condition as they could fall, that traffic circulation and parking can be a nightmare, and that the desire is to address and improve as many of those issues as possible, while retaining the charm, character, history and cultural heritage of Folsom.

The medians are not historic. They are a modern addition, as are the shed roofs which are crumbling. By removing the long, contiuous shed roofs, the unique character of each building will be revealed, and the building owners will have the option to put their own awnings or other shade structures up, and that there are city funds available for storefront improvements.

Widening the sidewalks will allow more pedestrian traffic, seating, gathering spots, trees, public art, and the increasingly popular sidewalk dining. Sidewalk extension and repairs will also make it safer, particularly for children and the elderly, the two most likely to trip and fall, or step off a curb that is too high about the street.

Removing the medians and trees will help return the street to it's historic look, and allow for the widening of the sidewalks, and make it safer.

The plans have been carefully thought out and considered for years. There have been regular planning meetings, open to the public, where ideas and opinions have been welcome and shared.

The plan to be presented is the one which makes the most sense, IMO.

[lifeinfolsom]

I'd like to know what the MyFolsom.com community feels about this situation. If we get enough votes, I'd like to present this to City Council before they vote on it.

Fabric covered awnings. No way. Over a year or two, the fabric awnings will fade and will only make Sutter street look sad. If the city decides to change those, its only added cost. No fabric awnings. Thats not even a historic look. I also support the pedestrian only idea, why do we want automobiles in a historic area. Plus can anything be done to the new eye sore=bank on Sutter street? Give it some external touch to make it look like an old building. Sutter street is such a beautiful part of Folsom that I am proud of! I hope we can keep it historic.

[supermom]

Fabric covered awnings. No way. Over a year or two, the fabric awnings will fade and will only make Sutter street look sad. If the city decides to change those, its only added cost. No fabric awnings. Thats not even a historic look. I also support the pedestrian only idea, why do we want automobiles in a historic area. Plus can anything be done to the new eye sore=bank on Sutter street? Give it some external touch to make it look like an old building. Sutter street is such a beautiful part of Folsom that I am proud of! I hope we can keep it historic.

+1

I too think that historic folsom should be pedestrian (or horse) only.

Yesterday I went down to historic Sac. and was surprised by the traffic jam of masses of pedestrians refusing to let vehicles get through (ok-yeah pedestrians get the right of way--but cars should not have to stop IN the lane (not the intersection) every 3 or 4 seconds for a pedestrian J walking.

Yeah it's great that there were that many people but......cars destroy the whole "historic value"

So, I didn't vote John---'cause I think that the Poll should include "how would you feel about closing historic Folsom to Vehicles". I could care less about the awnings---that should be the judgement of the owner. and if there weren't any vehicles in Historic Folsom--we wouldn't need to worry too much about the sidewalks.

[cw68]

I don't think it can be closed to vehicles because the street is needed for deliveries to businesses.

[4thgenFolsomite]

I don't think it can be closed to vehicles because the street is needed for deliveries to businesses.

in many places deliveries are restricted in specific hours, like before 10 am. That would leave the street without cars later on.

[ducky]

I'd like to see it spruced up but mostly remain as is.

Also, I think it should be pedestrian only. I don't understand the reasoning that the shops and restaurants won't survive if you can't drive cars in front of them. It's not like you can park in front anyway. I'm sure the delivery problem can be worked out.

I also don't understand the whole tree thing. I have a Magnolia in my yard that is probably older than those on Sutter Street and it's not anywhere near the end of its life.

[kev1006]

Sutter Street gives Folsom some heart and soul, gives us charm, and makes us unique. It serves as our link to the Gold Rush past and the 49er culture.

The plans being proposed make us lose our uniqueness and now puts us in the Orwellian, me too list of California towns that are not unique and ignore their past. What is to separate us from Lincoln, Rocklin, Elk Grove, and the rest of the bay area sprawl if we lose this historic street to blandness modernization?

[chris v]

I don't think they should change a thing.