Grand-Lakeshore Retail Survey now online

[Timothy Chapman]

Thought that the committee would find this interesting

Splash Pad Newsletter for July 10, 2008

Grand-Lakeshore Retail Survey now online
http://www.glrag.org/
The Grand-Lakeshore Retail Advisory Group has just launched a community survey to determine what shoppers would like to see in vacant storefronts on Lakeshore, Lake Park, Grand and Santa Clara Avenues. There are also a series of questions that address the overall perception of the shopping district and what kinds of improvements might prove beneficial. The survey will remain open until Labor Day, September 1. To participate in the survey, please log onto the http://www.glrag.org website. If any further motivation is required, please remember that Trader Joe's and Arizmendi are both here as a direct result of community input. GLRAG hopes to continue that precedent.

While GLRAG is a community-based, all-volunteer effort, it does include Pamela Drake representing the Lakeshore BID and Stu Sweetow (from Audio Visual Consultants) loosely representing the Grand Avenue Business Association. Although I'm much impressed by what the GLRAG membership has accomplished thus far, if it is to reach its full potential, it's going to need additional community representatives over the short and long term. Volunteers are needed to help with distribution of flyers publicizing the survey beginning at the Farmers Market this Saturday. In the longer haul, volunteers are going to be needed to tabulate results and begin reaching out to property owners and prospective tenants based on the survey results. If you'd like to become involved or want more info, email in...@glrag.org.

Lakefest 2008
http://www.oaklandlakefest.com/
There's a real sense of excitement building as plans for the Lakeshore street festival are being finalized. For details, visit the just-opened Lakefest 2008 website. Especially worthy of note is the inclusion of several musical groups with neighborhood roots on the main stage. Plans for the Community Stage in Splash Pad Park have not yet been finalized but will also likely have a strong neighborhood presence. There's also going to be a Green Living Expo and a large contingent of local arts and crafts vendors. Please do take note that the festival will be heavily dependent on volunteers. If you can help out for at least a two-hour shift, contact Pamela Drake at 834-9198 or by email at pamel...@sbcglobal.net. Volunteers will be provided with souvenir t-shirts and will be well supplied with snacks.