Title
Resolution to Extend Resolution R-20-194 - 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.
Staff
Prepared by: Tom Crawford, Interim City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Council approved Resolution R-20-194 - Resolution to Approve Downtown Street Closures for Restaurant and Retail Use During the Time of Mandated Physical Distancing on June 1, 2020 <http://a2gov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=4548513&GUID=DD182A75-FA00-4807-8A59-83D12F7F76CE&Options=ID%7CText%7C&Search=healthy+streets&FullText=1>;
Whereas, Resolution R-20-194 approved the closing of the streets identified in the “Healthy Streets Map” beginning as early as Friday, June 12, 2020, and ending on the date when the number of people allowed to gather in bars, restaurants or retail stores is no longer reduced by Governor Gretchen Whitmer or any other authority for public health and safety reasons related to the COVID-19 crisis, or until August 23, 2020;
Whereas, Resolution R-20-194 approved the Associations’ request for closure of the streets specified and any public parking lots downtown on the following days of the week and hours of the day:
Fridays, 2:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Saturdays, 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Sundays, 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.;
Whereas, Given the continued need for public health and safety related to the COVID-19 crisis and benefit of increased social distancing opportunities for businesses to continue to operate, it is recommended that City Council extend the closing of the streets approved in R-20-194 until the date when the number of people allowed to gather in bars, restaurants or retail stores is no longer reduced by Governor Gretchen Whitmer or any other authority for public health and safety reasons related to the COVID-19 crisis, or until September 21, 2020;
RESOLVED, City Council approve the extension closing of the streets identified Resolution R-20-194 in the “Healthy Streets Map” which began on Friday, June 12, 2020, and ending on the date when the number of people allowed to gather in bars, restaurants or retail stores is no longer reduced by Governor Gretchen Whitmer or any other authority for public health and safety reasons related to the COVID-19 crisis, or until September 21, 2020;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve the Associations’ request for closure of the street specified and any public parking lots downtown on the following days of the week and hours of the day:
Fridays, 2:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Saturdays, 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Sundays, 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and
RESOLVED, That all other approved conditions of City Council R-20-194 remain in place.
Sponsored by: Councilmembers Ramlawi, Lumm and Nelson