Title
Resolution to Approve Drive-Through COVID Testing Site at Briarwood Mall, 100 Briarwood Circle, as a Special Event
Memorandum
Attached for your consideration is a resolution to designate special event at Briarwood Mall from February 20, 2021 through April 2021 for drive-through COVID testing. City Council may designate certain dates and locations as special events temporary outdoor sales areas, including any conditions and standards of conduct, as provided in Section 5.16.7.C of Chapter 55 (Unified Development Code).
Simon Properties, owners and managers of the Briarwood Mall, is requesting to host a drive-through COVID testing site in the area of the mall south of the former Sears wing. Up to 50 people per day can be tested with rapid antibody and antigen tests as well as regular RT-PCR tests, taking about 10 minutes each to administer. Appointments will be required, although some walk-ins may be accommodated.
The testing site will be located in an area of the parking lot zoned P (Parking). The Unified Development Code does provide for temporary outdoor activities in the P district in Section 5.16.7.D Temporary Outdoor Activities. The activities are permitted with a zoning permit for up to eight days, and are allowed with special exception use approval when more than eight days or more than 16 days in a calendar year. The COVID testing site is intended and needed for more than 60 days, exceeding the limitations for any temporary outdoor activity.
Staff recommend designating this special event until the end of 2021, longer than requested by the applicant, given the need for accessible COVID testing is likely to last beyond April 15, 2021.
Staff
Prepared by: Alexis DiLeo, City Planner
Reviewed by: Brett Lenart, Planning Manager
Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Tom Crawford, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Simon Properties is requesting a Special Event Sales designation for its parking lot for drive-through COVID testing from February 20, 2021 through April 2021;
Whereas, The temporary outdoor activity exceeds 16 calendar days;
Whereas, City Council may designate Special Event Sales as provided in Section 5.16.7.C of the Unified Development Code for certain dates and locations; and
Whereas, The drive-through COVID testing site will provide convenient and safe access for residents of Ann Arbor and the surrounding community;
RESOLVED, That City Council approves a Special Event Sales in the parking lot of 100 Briarwood Circle for drive-through COVID testing until December 31, 2021.
Sponsored by: Mayor Taylor