How Can FOVEC and The Merchants Association Help Improve The Village?

The Fair Oaks Village Enhancement Committee (FOVEC) will meet Wednesday to discuss, among other things, the impending . Much has been said about the project and members both new, old and former want to be sure Village business owners have a place to share their opinion, concerns and thoughts on that project and any other topic of Village interest.

"I became involved because I care about The Village," said former FOVEC member Paula Sugarman. "Short of getting redevelopment money, these grassroots efforts are what really make a difference in the community."

The Wednesday meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. and one of the first items to be addressed on the agenda is the Streetscape Project. FOVEC member Daneece Fraizer stresses how important it is that Village business owners know that these meetings take place and without their participation, The Village's voice is diminished.

Village and member of the Village Merchants Association, Nan Danford mirrors Fraizer's sentiment. Danford has worked with Fraizer to build awareness of the Streetscape project as well as the movement to bring a to the area and is helping .

"We're providing them (business owners) the initiative, to let them know what's going on and to let them know they can let their opinions be known," Danford said.

Danford explains much of what contributes to merchant's apparent resistance to the Streetscape project may come from the fact that business owners are misinformed or not taking a more proactive approach to the project and others like it.

"They feel like they are not involved, like they don’t have any input," Danford said.

Part of improving that outreach has included Danford and Fraizer hitting the bricks, talking with business owners and letting them know exactly what the Streetscape project has in store for The Village. If business owners want to be more involved or a part of the ongoing process, the means are there; business owners just need to get more proactive.

"Do they want to see increased business in Fair Oaks Village? We're not talking about changing the character of Fair Oaks. It’s like a throwback. It’s not to change that at all," Danford said. "We want it to be more vibrant. To bring more businesses and create that vibrancy."

The Streetscape project still awaits final approval by the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors. Sacramento Department of Transportation spokesman Dan Regan expects that vote to happen on May 8 when the Board puts the project out to bid.

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The FOVEC meeting begins promptly at 6:30 p.m. at the Fair Oaks Historical Society at 10338 Fair Oaks Boulevard. Merchants Association meetings typically occurr on the second Monday of each month at 9 a.m. Meeting locations can vary, so for more information and ways to get involved e-mail fovillagemerchants@gmail.com.