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Consider Ordinance to Authorize the Town Manager to Permit Use of Public Sidewalks and Other Areas for Outdoor Retail and Restaurant Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic State of Emergency.
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Staff:
Department:
Laura Selmer, Economic Development Specialist
Manager's Office
Judy Johnson, Interim Director
Planning
Overview: Staff have coordinated with stakeholders including the Downtown Partnership, Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses and believe the retail and restaurant community would benefit from less restrictive regulations on the use of sidewalks and other outdoor areas, temporary signage, and socially distanced events during the reopening of Chapel Hill as part of the COVID-19 pandemic response.
Expanding use of outdoor space along the public right of way and on private property for dining and other commercial activity affords businesses the opportunity to respond to restrictions currently in place on indoor seating and occupancy under State and local orders.
The proposed ordinance includes regulations to promote physical distancing and to address other concerns for public safety as a result of the use of public pedestrian areas for outdoor retail activity.
The proposed ordinance specifically authorizes closure of portions of public sidewalk along East and West Franklin Street between 205 East Franklin Street and Merritt Mill Road. The proposed ordinance would authorize the Manager to identify and permit closure of portions of other public sidewalks for these purposes as well.
Recommendation(s):
That the Council enact the attached Ordinance to:
Authorize the Town Manager to issue permits to allow use of public sidewalk areas, public parking areas, and private sidewalk and parking areas for outdoor retail activity during State and locally established state of emergency regulations which restrict the capacity of retail establishments to operate at full capacity in their normal indoor spaces. This ordinance also authorizes the To...
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