Title
Resolution to Extend Approval of Downtown Street Closures for Restaurant and Retail Use
Memorandum
On March 15, 2021 City Council adopted Resolution R-21-093 allowing downtown street closures for restaurant and retail use throughout the summer. Given the positive reception the program has received and the success it has created in supporting businesses and fostering an active and safe downtown environment, staff recommends extending the closures until November 1, 2021.
In discussions with the State Street Merchants Association and the Main Street Area Association, we are recommending some changes to the footprint of the street closures. The State Street Merchants no longer want to participate in the street closure program, and so State Street, Maynard Street, and the East Liberty Street that is in the State Street area will no longer be closed.
The Main Street Area Association has requested to allow the street closures on home football Saturdays. The recommendation from the city's public safety leadership is to allow Liberty and Washington to be closed on football Saturdays, but not Main Street. Main Street is a critical thoroughfare on game days for public safety personnel, and for visitors to town and closing it would seriously impede our and our visitors' ability to travel across or out of town in the event of an emergency. Further, closing Liberty and Washington could encourage safe travel through town by limiting cross traffic on Main Street. Therefore, staff recommends this approach.
The resolution language presented to Council is nearly identical to the resolution that was passed earlier this year, with some changes to reflect the new footprint of the street closures and the changes being implemented for football game days.
Staff
Prepared by: John Fournier, Assistant City Administrator
Reviewed by: John Reiser, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Approved by: John Fournier, Assistant City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Due to the COVID-19 pand...
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