Title
Resolution to Extend Approvals of Downtown Street Closures for Restaurant and Retail Use During the Time of Mandated Physical Distancing Contained in the Prior Resolutions R-20-194, R-20-302, and R-20-371, Until November 30, 2020
Memorandum
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Whitmer, Washtenaw County Public Health, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services have issued 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 and county 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, effective as early as Friday, June 12, 2020, until August 23, 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, 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, City Council approved Resolution R-20-302 on August 6, 2020 to Extend the Closing of the Streets approved in R-20-194 until September 21, 2020;
http://a2gov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=4606611&GUID=1FC6A2A7-A75A-4A7D-BD62-5930348AA89C&Options=ID%7CText%7C&Search=R-20-302&FullText=1 <https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fa2gov.legistar.com%2FLegislationDetail.aspx%3FID%3D4606611%26GUID%3D1FC6A2A7-A75A-4A7D-BD62-5930348AA89C%26Options%3DID%257CText%257C%26Search%3DR-20-302%26FullText%3D1&data=02%7C01%7CSHiggins%40a2gov.org%7C9bff1eca9e20464f8c2508d83fc4092d%7C48afa58563754170b9d1e9c568bb92f3%7C0%7C0%7C637329458479197448&sdata=eu5W2ty6DYCLLl9Owpe7fDOl%2FT0AMe2j0hQ4jb9jCX0%3D&reserved=0>;
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, City Council approved Resolution R-20-371 on September 21, 2020 to Extend the Closing of the Streets approved in R-20-302 until November 1, 2020;
<https://a2gov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=4639044&GUID=A524E13D-7D88-4B1D-8451-CF95D11DEC56&Options=&Search=>; and
Whereas, Due to the continued need for public health and safety related to the COVID-19 crisis and benefit of increased social distancing opportunities for businesses to operation, it is desirable to extend R-20-371 until November 30, 2020 subject to week to week implementation;
Whereas, It is desirable to end the seven-day partial closure of the 300 block of Maynard Street by noon on November 2, 2020; and
Whereas, The northern end of Maynard Street between the parking structure entrance and Liberty Street may be part of the extended weekend closures (Friday - Sunday) ending on November 30, 2020; and
RESOLVED, That City Council extend Resolutions R-20-194, R-20-302, and R-20-371 to approve the closing of the streets identified in the Map until the date when the number of people allowed to gather in bars, restaurants or retail stores is no longer reduced by orders issued by any state or county authority for public health and safety reasons related to the COVID-19 crisis, or until November 30, 2020; and
RESOLVED, That the seven-day partial closure of the 300 block of Maynard Street end by noon on November 2, 2020; and
RESOLVED, The northern end of Maynard Street between the parking structure entrance and Liberty Street may be part of the extended weekend closures (Friday - Sunday) ending on November 30, 2020; and
RESOLVED, That all other approved conditions of City Council R-20-194, R-20-302, and R-20-371 remain in place.
Sponsored by: Councilmembers Lumm and Ramlawi
As Amended and Approved by Ann Arbor City Council on October 19, 2020