As part of ‘vision plan’ for Montrose, residents and business owners say Honolulu could use more nightlife

The city is looking into implementing parts of a vision plan for Montrose’s shopping district, one aimed at potentially rebranding its main strip — Honolulu Avenue — and other efforts to ensure growth and success in the future.

A survey of shop owners and residents conducted by the city’s Economic Development Department found that both groups felt public music, events and street entertainment were integral along Honolulu and that the area falls short in providing trendy nightlife options.

One part of the vision plan that council directed staff to examine is a series of infrastructure improvements and getting the city involved in the process of tenant selection.

Jennifer McLain, a principal economic development officer for the city, encouraged business owners to stay open later and suggested a special task force be formed to work with property owners to more quickly find new tenants and “identify early-on potential opportunities.”

Doing so could ensure a better mix of different kinds of retail businesses and restaurants, she said.

Despite the close-knit business community, Steve Pierce, who oversees the weekly Harvest Market, said he would appreciate a task force because business owners are the “last flea in the dog’s tail” to hear about incoming tenants.

Councilman Ara Najarian said he understands that the Montrose Shopping Park wants to maintain its character as a small business district, but it shouldn’t be fearful of big retailers. He referred to the example of a Starbucks that opened on Honolulu and Ocean View Boulevard in September 2012.

“Don’t be afraid of the national chains,” he said. “I know there’s a big issue with Starbucks coming in, but I don’t think it’s in any way detracted from the quaintness of Montrose. I believe it’s brought more people in.”

However, Councilwoman Laura Friedman disagreed, saying Montrose should offer more than just a Starbucks and noted that Pasadena drafted an ordinance to keep out chains in certain areas.

Councilman Vartan Gharpetian said he was in favor of forming a task force if the process involves collaboration.

“The property owners, their listing agents only get the tenants that will pay the most,” he said. “You need to have a collaboration between the shopping park and the community so they can see what is needed over there.”

Examples of the city stepping in to help find tenants include convincing Pasadena-based restaurant Lincoln to open a new location at the former Bashan storefront on Verdugo Road, McLain said.

The survey also identified parking lot improvements such as restriping and resurfacing.

Ken Grayson, owner of Grayson’s Tune Town, echoed those sentiments.

Councilman Zareh Sinanyan said none of the requests sounded unreasonable.

One change Gharpetian said he’d like to look at is whether natural grass can be replanted along parts of Honolulu, where it was torn out last year in the wake of the drought.

Since then, the city has reverted back to a less-restrictive watering policy for lawns.

As for longer business hours, Grayson said there’s one challenge with the current lineup of stores.

“Some of the older merchants … it’s very difficult for them to consider later hours,” he told the council.

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Arin Mikailian, arin.mikailian@latimes.com

Twitter: @ArinMikailian