Old Town Foundation Will Seek Feedback from Merchants After First Friday Fiasco

When the Elk Grove Old Town Foundation last week, the decision drew ire from some area retailers.

On Tuesday, Foundation president Howard Sihner told Elk Grove Patch that the Foundation plans to survey business owners about what support they need to succeed.

One option under consideration: forming a new Old Town merchants' association, independent from the Foundation—an idea already raised by grumpy shop owners in the wake of the cancellation.

Foundation board members say their status as a 501 (c) 3 charitable trust prevents them from sponsoring activities with the sole purpose of generating revenue for shops.

"It's a fine line and if you cross it, Uncle Sam is liable to come knocking on your door," said Sihner.

A merchants' assocation could have more freedom to promote Old Town businesses—if it were successful.

Foundation leaders will discuss the issue at a board meeting Tuesday, at which they'll also elect new officers. They'll then make a presentation to members and ask for feedback at a general meeting tentatively scheduled for Dec. 27, Sihner said.

The Foundation is also working to solve the insurance problem it says led to last week's cancellation. Sihner met Monday with Elk Grove City Manager Laura Gill and Economic Development Director Randy Starbuck, told them the Foundation's current policy doesn't cover enough liability for potential accidents at First Fridays and asked for their help.

City spokesperson Christine Brainerd said officials are waiting to see the Foundation's detailed plans to revamp First Friday before lending a hand. "We’ll be working closely with the foundation and staying in touch with them and providing assistance when it’s needed," said Brainerd.

Meanwhile, some businesses are moving ahead with their own plans for smaller-scale events during the winter months, when the Foundation has said First Friday will be on hiatus. The will hold a First Friday reception honoring oil painter Emil Chendea Jan. 6.

Here on Elk Grove Patch, commenters have brainstormed a number of ideas for revitalizing Elk Grove's historic center:

• Bringing in a theater or big-name restaurant to draw people to the area
• Adding more parking and reducing traffic congestion
• Staging seasonal attractions such as an ice skating rink
• Hiring an outside consultant to analyze the area's strengths and weaknesses
• Better advertising for First Friday on the part of businesses
• Charging First Friday vendors for booths and using the funds to cover insurance and improve the event
• More involvement by business owners in the Old Town Foundation, and better notification of the community about Foundation meetings and decisions

The Elk Grove Old Town Foundation board of directors meeting will be held Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Elk Grove Grange Hall, 9125 Elk Grove Blvd. All are welcome.