FAQ, part 2
Proposed site plan
Getting into some details
1. Is this for real?
Don't count a chicken before it hatches...but the egg is real.
The use permit application was submitted in late April, making its way through the process toward a public hearing. The property is under contract for this project.
2. How many bowling lanes are planned?
Twelve. That's how many regulation lanes fit comfortably in the former Rite Aid structure, allowing for other activities and staff areas.
While the region might be able to support more lanes in general, potential locations are limited. Better to be a little smaller and well-used over the long run, vs. too large and underutilized. (It'd also be amazing for the coast and Lake County to get local bowling back someday. That would reduce demand here.)
3. What about parking? See above for the proposed site plan
The Rite Aid site currently has spaces for 59 vehicles and 6 bikes. The proposal adds +10% vehicle parking (65 total), and +200% bike parking (18 total). Its central location and surrounding bike lanes are a plus for non-car accessibility.
Traffic circulation stays the same, except discontinuing use of the drive-thru window. Existing landscaping and trees would be maintained.
4. Will there be a bar and liquor license?
Beer, wine & non-alcoholic drinks are the plan, alongside full food service (Type 41 license). No hard liquor license.
The intention is to have a range of options for visitors, including of-age adults who drink alcohol during food-service hours. It's not a destination bar, though.
5. What are the proposed business hours?
Monday-Wednesday: 3pm to 10pm
Thursday-Saturday: 11am to 11pm
Sunday: 11am to 10pm
6. Why in this location?
Being in-town in permitted zoning (C1), owning the property for long-term stability, and preferring to re-use a vacant space are three big factors.
The building size, shape and column spacing for bowling lanes and equipment further narrow down the options for locations.
7. Who's driving this and why?
Ukiah Bowl, LLC is locally owned and independent. My name's Steve, looking forward to meeting everyone I don't know! The next post will have a more complete intro and background.
Investing in Ukiah, and adding a social space that'll hopefully last decades, are at the heart of this project. It needs to be a sustainable business ultimately -- but it's not the quickest, easiest, or surest buck to be made.
Our area is considered too small and spread out for the bowling chains or franchises. So, it's up to us to bring it to life locally. Thank you for your support so far!
