City Council Minutes 2024 03 19 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes March 19, 2024 Page 5 of 14 time a restaurant changes is service area their liquor license also needs to be amended. There is a $300 State charge to do this and it takes some administrative time, so it is not simple to change the closure area every couple of months. Mayor Leh asked how the closure would impact mobility impaired people trying to access a business. Director Zuccaro stated it would increase the distance it takes for people to reach a business as people would have to be dropped off at the corner. Mayor Leh asked if permit parking in the residential neighborhood had been considered. Director Zuccaro stated it was considered a few years ago with a possible parking garage. It would require adequate parking available downtown (paid or in a structure). Mayor Leh asked what is considered the maximum distance someone will walk from a parking space. Director Zuccaro stated the general rule of thumb is people will walk up to a quarter mile. Public Comments John Delassus, Louisville, speaking on behalf of Debra, stated that closing Main Street will create more obstacles for people with mobility issues to access restaurants and stores. She urged Council to keep the street open. Marco Toscano, Louisville, asked Council to vote no on the closure. He stated the closure is not supported by downtown residents and will not necessarily help the downtown businesses. He asked Council to consider different solutions to help the businesses thrive. Derek Wood, Louisville, stated he is concerned about how a closure might affect response times for emergency vehicles. He stated sending 400 buses down LaFarge each week will not enhance the lives of those who live there. He feels this is not a collaborative approach and urged a no vote. Sally Harris, Louisville, stated a closure will not allow people with mobility issues to access the restaurants in downtown. She urged Council to leave the street open. Kimberly Echols, Louisville, stated the City has not gotten enough information from the residents that will be impacted by this closure. Neighbors should have been involved in this discussion. She urged Council to take into account all stake holders before making a decision. She asked Council to pause this decision. Joyce Brandenburg, Louisville, stated closing the street is not respectful to the history of Louisville. Main Street should remain open.