Dear Planning Director, Thomas Gorham,
I live two and a half blocks from Jackson Market. I strongly support its open patio, and encourage you to allow it to return to its previously family friendly hours.
Livable communities are defined by the easy, walkable access of family friendly businesses. Jackson Market, with its patio and (former) family friendly hours and policies enhanced my experience of a mom of three children and small business owner in Culver City.
The new patio hours hurts families. While I respect that the patio continues to be accessible to the Sony Studios lunch crowd, the current 11a.m. to 4 p.m. availability is not family friendly.
Local families know to stay away from the market while the professionals come in for their power lunches. Instead, we would patron the local business after older children went to school, after the afternoon nap, and throughout the weekends. Or did, until you restricted our access to the patio.
Before you intervened, it was the perfect meeting of large Culver City business and small Culver City families. The Carlson Park neighborhood is the best neighborhood in Culver City because of its accessibility to the park and Jackson Market. Jackson Market is even referenced in real estate listings.
Residents living in any urban environment must suffer the indignation of interacting with neighbors. Those adjacent to parks must suffer the sound of skateboarders and playing children, and the sight of children’s chalk drawings.
Those adjacent to Jackson Market—most all of whom moved in after the market was established—must suffer the sounds of neighborly chatter and the close proximity of a delicious deli.
While I appreciate that you have attempted to respond the complaints from a resident, with the current restrictive action you failed to remember that Culver City is nothing without the strong family neighborhood. Jackson Market is at the center of our neighborhood. Please leave it alone.
Sincerely,
Chelsea Shure
