It used to be an alley but now it’s a dead end.
Hennessey’s Tavern has claimed the narrow path between the peaks of the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and the shores of Toes on the Nose as its own walled garden “parklet.”
But can it be a parklet in an alley? More importantly, since when can a private business block a path to the beach? Where is the Coastal Commission when you need it?
But it’s a customer-friendly parklet, they say. It was erected during the Wild West days of COVID when all manner of good urban planning took a back seat to survival.
Well, now that the pandemic is (mostly) over, the parklet situation is out of control – kind of like a virus.
There are way too many parklets. In fact, Suenos restaurant on Ocean Avenue recently asked the city to get rid of its horse corral. They preferred parking.
If we’re honest, no business on Ocean Avenue should have parklets. They simply aren’t needed. Most haven’t been used in months – and it shows. Some are permanently roped off. Tables and chairs stacked like closing time. Spider webs abound.
The Marine Room likes theirs because owner Chris Keller reportedly says it looks better in front of his business than a ragtag line of cars. Which is fine. Right now, it’s his prerogative.
But are the parklets being used? No, not really. Forest Avenue is another story. The parklets there are good and needed.
But on Ocean, the non-restaurants would love to have the parking back, obviously.
The case of Hennessey’s, however, is particularly problematic. How they got approved in the first place is puzzling.
The city says Hennessey’s was granted a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) on Aug. 11, 2020, through the COVID TUP Pilot Program. The City Council extended the program until Jan. 1, 2024.
One wonders how many people have actually used the Hennessey’s alley/parklet since Aug. 11, 2020.
Maybe three homeless guys and a guitarist during Fête de la Musique in June.
The Laguna Beach City Council needs to revisit the parklets and the “COVID TUP Pilot Program” before Jan. 1, 2024.
Otherwise, it’s another full year of eyesores and wasted space.
