Sounds fair enough. After all, during our college years backpacking through Europe and elsewhere we loved the vibrant mixed-use street life in neighborhoods for every resident: families, office workers, students, retirees, tourists, and more.
However, the Planning Commission notice contains this eye-popping suggestion: There will be discussion for "discouraging or prohibiting other uses, such as offices and banks." This non-starter proposal risks reducing - not increasing - a variety of commercial uses to serve customers, where they are needed and when.
So what is the complaint here anyway? Too many banks or restaurants downtown? If true, then some will close for lack of customers. The success or failure of a city street - pedestrian friendly or not - is out of the hands of a Planning Commission or a City Council, and squarely in the hands of the economy itself.
No more storefront real estate offices?
While we're on the subject, what sort of "offices" could be prohibited anyway? Why, real estate offices of course! And yet any broker, REALTOR, or happy new homeowner can show you that real estate offices are a legitimate retail storefront use.
While more information will emerge later this week, it is readily apparent that such prohibitions are an improper way to improve street life and an intrusion of the rights of property owners in these areas.
REALTORS: Mark your calendars for the Manhattan Beach Planning Commission on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 starting at 6:30 p.m.
Tell the Planning Commission to respect property rights and not cherry-pick some businesses while prohibiting others - possibly including yours!
Watch this space for more information on this important discussion that you cannot afford - literally - to miss.
