Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on an Ordinance Amending Chapter 87, "Special Events," of the City's Code of Ordinances by Adding New Provisions Permitting Parklets Within Certain Areas of the Corporate Limits of the City of McKinney and Providing Minimum Requirements Thereof; Repealing Conflicting Ordinances; Providing a Savings Clause; Providing a Severability Clause; Providing for Publication of the Caption of this Ordinance; and Providing for an Effective and Termination Date.
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 15, 2020
DEPARTMENT: Development Services - Planning Department
CONTACT: Alek Miller, AICP, Planner II
Mark Doty, Assistant Director of Planning
Kim Flom, AICP/PLA, Assistant City Manager
Amy Rosenthal, Director, Main Street / McKinney Performing Arts Center
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Staff recommends approval of the proposed amendments.
ITEM SUMMARY: In order to support Downtown McKinney businesses that have been affected by limited occupancy and social distancing requirements, the City Council directed staff to pursue a parklet program. Parklets would be located in on-street parallel parking spaces on blocks outside the Courthouse Square and would provide stores and restaurants with the ability to expand their operations outside while maintaining a clear path of travel on the sidewalk.
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 t...
Click here for full text