Instead, joined by Councilmembers Price, Pearce, Uranga and Austin, Mayor Garcia asks city management to offer proposals (including those offered elsewhere) for possible application (with subsequent Council approval) in some currently unspecified parts of Long Beach.

Agendized as "Recommendation to direct City Manager to create an open streets initiative and explore ways to open more public space throughout Long Beach to allow for increased outdoor activities, safer access to public transit, and stronger economic recovery, all while maintaining appropriate social and physical distancing." Mayor Garcia writes in his agendizing memo (dated May 8). .

The plan should include options that would enable additional and creative opportunities for outdoor dining for restaurants and bars when state and local health orders permit.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have tremendous impacts on our health and economy, it's important to look at creative measures cities around the world are taking to create more open space that encourages physical and social distancing while allowing for outdoor activities, safer mobility, and supporting economic recovery.

Cities across California and beyond are opening up space by limiting cut-through traffic on neighborhood streets and repurposing on-street parking for active transportation and restaurant use, in order to activate neighborhoods. Many essential workers rely upon transit services, and cities are also exploring ways to expand bus stops. Adding more open public space while the "Safer at Home" health order remains in effect will make it easier for people to move throughout the city and for businesses to survive, while ensuring the social distancing that will be necessary for the foreseeable future.

In addition, as attention turns to safely reopening restaurants in the weeks ahead, providing open street opportunities could support new sidewalk dining and businesses. This concept is supported by numerous business improvement districts. The City should pursue creative approaches that support their survival.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Financial Management will assess the fiscal impact during the study.

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One clue into as to what's being considered surfaced in a comment by co-agendizer Councilwoman Suzie Price (whose 3rd Council district's Belmont Shore/2nd dist. restaurants have been hard hit by COVID-19 restrictions.). Councilwoman Price responded to comments by Lisa (La Strada) Ramelow who cited a news story on her Facebook page about Tampa closing some streets to open space for restaurants. Ms. Ramelow commented in part: "I don't think completely closing 2nd St. would ever happen. That would be like trying to get the breakwater removed...The only way I could see this working is if you took one, or preferably two, parking spaces out in front of a still operating business. You could conceivably place several tables out there on the street, and have them be comfortably distanced. This reminds me of the "parklet" idea that was floated years ago...[I]n this new and unprecedented time, these might work..PS It doesn't have to be my place -- just a general idea I'm throwing out there."

Councilwoman Price wrote in response: [with her spell checker changing "parlet" to "park left"] "Lisa, t]hat’s exactly what we are considering right now. A park left concept for a few restaurants for 6 months to see how it would work. I agree with you that closing down 2nd all together would not be feasible due to traffic. We are considering the park left option very seriously. Talk to Dede [BSBA Exec. Dir.] if you are interested."

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If the Council approves the May 12 item, city staff will do the work, offer specifics for consideration, the Mayor and the public can opine on them and a Council majority can decide which if any to allow, where to allow them and for how long.

At the same time as the Garcia agenda item seeks to attract the public to public spaces (consistent with state and local health orers), the City continues to advise residents (on the City's webpage): "Stay Home, Save Lives."

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As previously reported by LBREPORT.com, on May 8 San Jose's Mayor and a San Jose Councilmember held a press conference where they proposed "Al Fresco San Jose." .

And their proposal is similar to a concept floated by San Mateo's Mayor a few days earlier.

Developing.

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