Title
Resolution to Add South University Area Businesses to the Current Approval for Downtown Street Closures for Restaurant and Retail Use
Memorandum
On March 15, 2021, City Council approved R-21-093, granting street closures for downtown restaurant and retail use. At that time, the South University Area Association was not included due to its reorganization. City staff has received a request from members of the South University Neighborhood Association to close Church Street between South University and Willard to coincide with the other downtown area closures. This street closure will be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week, similar to others and nearly identical to last year’s closure. There have been no objections received regarding this request.
Staff
Prepared by: Debra Williams, Office Manager
Reviewed by: Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Tom Crawford, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the State of Michigan has issued orders to safeguard public safety including mandating required minimal physical distancing;
Whereas, Certain merchant and business associations in the City has been approved for closure of certain streets so that restaurants and retail businesses adjacent or near to the closed streets are able to use the street for seating and sales that comply with social distancing requirements during this pandemic period, which will support economic recovery and build a more resilient community, encouraging patronage of downtown businesses, and reinforcing core values of safety, mobility, equity, and downtown vitality;
Whereas, as application for a special event permit has been received from the South University Neighborhood Association that includes detailed plans for the street and public parking lots on those streets that are proposed to be completely or partially closed to create more space for pedestrians and businesses whose seating or sales capacity has been restricted by state mandates has been reviewed by staff;
Whereas, While the special event permitting process will be required for the occupancy of these closed streets, this circumstance should not be considered a special event in the traditional sense because the use of the street is not for a fair, or festival, but for the immediate need to create socially distanced seating and business space in the downtown;
Whereas, Businesses who use the public right of way and other public spaces for their business operations should acknowledge their obligation to follow the requirements of emergency orders and declarations for the benefit of public health, the importance of social distancing, and the obligation they have as public accommodations to ensure that tables and chairs are appropriately distanced, personal protective equipment is appropriately worn by patrons and employees in accordance with public health recommendations, and that they are following all recommended public health precautions to the best of their abilities; and
Whereas, City Council is permitted under Chapter 79, Solicitors and Peddlers, of the Ann Arbor City Code to restrict the issuance of solicitors’ and peddlers’ licenses during special events, or at times when congestion in the City or a part of the City is too great to allow peddling and soliciting;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve the full closure of Church Street between South University and Willard, adding this closure to the previously approved resolution for downtown restaurants and retail;
RESOLVED, That City Council approve the additional closing of Church Street between South University and Willard beginning immediately and ending as late as August 30, 2021; and
RESOLVED, That City Council approve this request for closure, which shall be for 24 hours a day and for seven days a week.