Title
Streatery Update (B)
Explanation
The Streatery was initiated in 2020 as an emergency tool to support local businesses with an expanded outdoor seating area during the COVID pandemic. Temporary measures were installed to provide safe pedestrian malls in lieu of thru traffic and on-street parking in 3 selected areas downtown: (1) SW 1st Ave, S Main St to SW 1st St, (2) SW 1st Ave, SW 1st St to SW 2nd St, and, (3) NW 2nd St, W University Ave to NW 1st Ave. These temporary measures have been in place since the summer of 2020 and staff requests direction from the City Commission on their future.
Since 2020, business and property owners located along the Streatery have expressed conflicting needs and preferences regarding the future of the Streatery: Some support a permanent pedestrian mall, while others prefer on-street parking and easy access. Permanent improvements are pending City Commission approval and resource allocation. The Commission expressed the wish for the Streatery to remain, however, to date, no funding has been allocated for permanent improvements.
On April 21, 2021, as part of its motion for the Downtown Strategic Plan update, the Commission directed staff to provide an update about the Streatery within 45 days. In today’s presentation, staff will provide an overview of the existing conditions and will discuss concepts for City Commission consideration and direction moving forward.
Fiscal Note
Will be determined on selected path forward.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) Hear a staff presentation. 2) Direct Staff on next steps