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WGBPA takes a Dancin' lesson to streamline Founder's
Association also releases survey and tries to grow member ranks
By Chantal Lamers
Now that Dancing on the Avenue has given summer its official kick-off, Willow Glen Business and Professional Association members are preparing for the annual Founder's Day celebration in September.
WGBPA members discussed the quirks and successes of Dancing on the Avenue at their June 21 meeting.
Members reported that the large turnout of over 40,000 was possibly the biggest crowd the annual event has attracted. WGBPA President Bob Waligore said the event ran smoothly.
Members hope to fix some minor problems for September's two-day founders celebration by adding more beer and wine ticket booths and to make sure there's no shortage of red wine (vendors ran out early at Dancing on the Avenue). Organizers also plan to have more commemorative wine glasses on hand (vendors ran out an hour into the festival).
Members also reported that $4,000 worth of beer and wine tickets were returned to customers because of the long lines for alcohol and the short supply.
Waligore said for other celebrations this year, he wants to complete the lighting project on Lincoln Avenue for the Holiday season and purchase banners for the light poles on the avenue.
Members also discussed the possibility of closing off Lincoln Avenue for Halloween to make the traditional trick-or-treating festivities on the avenue safer for pedestrians and store owners. Other issues discussed included plans for a new Longs drugstore, the WGBPA membership directory, new businesses coming to the avenue and WGBPA survey results.
The vacant Beauty College building on the avenue has been leased to at least one business said Michelle McGurk, chief of staff for District 6 councilman Frank Fiscalini. And Zoa Noodle Bar will open a fourth restaurant in Willow Glen, she said. The restaurant will serve the same California-Asian fusion-style cuisine that's popular at its two San Francisco locations and their third restaurant in Palo Alto.
And while WGPBA members are still debating whether they should take a position on what new businesses move onto the avenue, Longs has designed a two-story building for a new store on Lincoln Avenue. The design includes features similar to other buildings on and around Lincoln Avenue.
Representatives from the drugstore chain will hold a community meeting on June 27, at 7 p.m. in the vacant Washington Mutual building on Minnesota and Lincoln avenues. McGurk said results from a city traffic study will be available at the meeting.
The association also plans to release a membership directory to residents who live in the 95125 and 95126 zip codes. The business directory will include names, addresses and phone numbers for businesses along Lincoln Avenue that are part of the business association.
Member Chris Carris announced the results from a recent survey of business owners. Merchants answered they feel some priorities for Lincoln Avenue include keeping chain stores out, finishing the streetscape, controlling trash problems, improving business networking, equalizing the south and north ends of the avenue, lighting the trees and recruiting new businesses.
The association's next meeting is scheduled for 8 a.m. on July 18, above the Washington Mutual bank at Lincoln and Minnesota avenues.
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Willow Glen, California Since 1992
