Title
Resolution to Approve Downtown Street Closures for Restaurant and Retail Use
Memorandum
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, physical distancing measures are still in place and are critical to bringing the pandemic to an end. 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. Some of our 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 funding to 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 various 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 closures plans to ensure compliance with the Fire Code and public safety needs, AAATA for public transit considerations, and other city staff review.
The resolution language presented to Council is nearly identical to the resolution that was passed last year, with some changes for formatting and style, and updating of information to conform with new and relevant facts known about the pandemic since last year. The actual footprint of street closures has been changed slightly to exclude Detroit Street in Kerrytown, East Liberty...
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