title
Temporarily Suspend Certain Ordinances and Authorize the Town Manager to Continue Temporary Measures to Aid Retail and Restaurant Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic State of Emergency.
body
Staff:
Department:
Dwight Bassett, Economic Development Officer
Manager's Office, Economic Development
Laura Selmer, Economic Development Specialist
Overview: On June 3, 2020, the Council enacted Ordinance (2020-06-03/O-1) allowing temporary measures to assist our business community by expanding walking and dining space on Franklin Street. At the time Ordinance 2020-06-03/-1 was enacted, the Council agreed to reconsider these measures at its first business meeting in September. In response to community and Council interest in supporting the Chapel Hill economy while promoting public health and safety, staff have worked to install sidewalk extensions in Downtown. Additionally, new sidewalk dining application fees have been temporarily waived.
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 during the reopening of Chapel Hill as part of the COVID-19 pandemic response. Additional measures to develop and coordinate opportunities for outdoor operations on private property and on public rights-of-ways are recommended to promote physical distancing.
Recommendation(s):
1. That the Council authorize the Town Manager to continue the Franklin Street sidewalk expansion.
2. That the Council authorize the Town Manager to continue to designate town off-street parking lots or other town or private areas for dining and sales purposes.
3. That the Council authorize the Town Manager to continue to temporarily allow outdoor operations for restaurants and retail businesses on public sidewalks and rights-of-way and to continue to waive fees for new sidewalk dining permit applications.
Decision Points:
* Consider auth...
Click here for full text