At a recent business development meeting, a group of enthusiastic business owners put their heads together to discuss ways to promote their business and increase foot traffic along Big Basin Way, especially in the evenings, when streets are close to void of activity.

At the meeting, participants listed some ideas to present to the city council that would boost interest in the area. In a letter drafted by the city's economic development coordinator, Danielle Surdin, Assistant City Manager Lori Tinfow, and Clare McBride, chairwoman of the Saratoga Business Development Committee, merchants requested that Mayor Nick Streit consider leaving the lights in the trees on every night, as opposed to only on weekends, to "enhance the appeal" of the Village. In addition, they asked that lights be added to the trees located on Third and Fourth streets to "visually connect all the business" area.

The committee is also asking that the public safety commission evaluate the installation of streetlights on Third and Fourth streets as safety measures protecting both business owners and visitors.

Many business owners, like Kristin Davis, who is the executive director of the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce, agreed that stores along Third and Fourth streets are in more danger of losing their business due to poor lighting and lack of exposure.

Davis said she fears that Kristy's, a store that specializes in vintage collectibles, will be going out of business soon. Kristy's is located on Fourth Street.

"It's a cute store," she said. "But it's like a hidden treasure in the sense that it's so easy to miss."

At the meeting, many business owners were rooting for Kristy's to stay in the area, but Kristy Kent, owner of the quaint, 500-square-foot building, mentioned that the rumors of her leaving may be true.

"I don't want to leave, but it's a possibility," she confirmed.

She said she's been seeing a dramatic decline in customers compared to when she first opened, approximately four years ago.

Kent said that while poor lighting is one issue to blame, a lack of signage is another. She explained that when she had A-frame sandwich boards displayed on the corner of Big Basin and Fourth, business was successful. However, the city requested that the sign be removed.

Brian Berg, who owns a computer software business on the corner of Big Basin Way and Third Street, said that although his business is not greatly affected by these issues because he frequently does work outside, he hopes to see these plans come to fruition to help fellow businesses stay profitable.

"The city should be more liberal in terms of signage," he said. "Most people don't realize that some businesses, like Blue Rock Shoot, have evening entertainment because there are no signs to promote it."

He added that passersby have an inclination to go toward areas where there is more light, such as Los Gatos.

Davis said she would like to see Saturday Market Days come back as a way to further promote businesses and create energy in Saratoga. During these market days, which occurred approximately three years ago and ended when the subcommittee that organized them ran out of funds, merchants would be allowed to use balloons, signs and banners to advertise their business.

These issues will be presented at the city council meeting on March 25.