Title
Resolution to Approve Downtown Street Closures for Restaurant and Retail Use During the Time of Mandated Physical Distancing
Memorandum
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Whitmer has enacted a series of Executive Orders aimed at safeguarding public safety. These include mandates requiring minimal physical distancing. A set of strategies and programs have been set forward outlining how downtown Ann Arbor streets, sidewalks, and public parking lots can be utilized during this pandemic period to support economic recovery and build a more resilient community, including supporting physical distancing, encouraging patronage of downtown businesses, and reinforcing core values of safety, mobility, equity, and downtown vitality. The four downtown area associations provided detailed plans for the street blocks in their area they wish to see completely or partially closed for periods of time to create more space for pedestrians and businesses whose seating or sales capacity has been restricted by state mandates.
The DDA has provided a grant of up to $50,000 to the four downtown area associations to cover their cost of installing, removing, and renting barricades for these street closures. The DDA will provide meter bags within these closure areas at no cost, and they will also keep in place the meter bags and signage at 143 locations for customer pickup/delivery at no cost.
It is anticipated that upon City Council approval, closures can be instituted as soon as special event permits are received and approved, including Police and Fire review of closure plans to ensure compliance with the Fire Code and public safety needs, AAATA for public transit considerations, and other city staff review.
Staff
Prepared by: John Fournier, Assistant City Administrator;
Susan Pollay, Executive Director of the DDA
Reviewed by: Kristen Larcom, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Approved by: Tom Crawford, Interim City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Due to the COVID-19...
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