Title
Discuss Parklets and Use of Downtown Public Parking
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Enhance the Quality of Life in McKinney
5D: Promote reinvestment activities in McKinney's historic downtown that balance preservation of historic character and current market needs
MEETING DATE: December 1, 2020
DEPARTMENT: Development Services - Planning Department
Main Street / McKinney Performing Arts Center
CONTACT: Alek Miller, AICP, Planner II
Mark Doty, Assistant Director of Planning
Amy Rosenthal, Director, Main Street / McKinney Performing
Arts Center
Kim Flom, AICP/PLA, Assistant City Manager
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
This is an informational item and no action is requested at this meeting. Based on feedback from Council, staff will prepare an ordinance for consideration at the December 15, 2020 meeting.
ITEM SUMMARY:
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants have been required to operate at reduced occupancy rates. Further, health and safety guidelines from state and national organizations point to a need to allow for greater space between restaurant patrons and employees.
Cities around the country and in Texas have addressed this need by allowing use of on-street parking spaces for expansion of dining space, sometimes called "parklets." This approach creates additional dining space and allows for greater physical distance between people. Allowing this type of expansion would support downtown businesses, while testing out a new strategy for improving the pedestrian environment.
BACKGROUND:
The McKinney Restaurant Council raised the idea of allowing dining in on-street parking spaces at the November 10, 2020 City Council Special Meeting. Members of the Restaurant Council noted that their businesses have been challenged by the reduced capacity and social distancing requirements that have occurred as a result of the ongoing pandemic. The McKi...
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