City Council Minutes 2021 04 06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes April 6, 2021 Page 6 of 11 John Leary, 1116 LaFarge Avenue, stated he supports the closure but worries this is a prelude to a permanent closure. He would like the closure ended as soon as possible when the restaurants no longer need it. Councilmember Fahey thanked the residents of LaFarge for the imposition this causes. She stated this is a temporary measure only to help the restaurants get through COVID. She supports approval until such time as the restrictions are lifted and people are willing to eat inside again. She would like to see traffic diverted to Front Street and away from LaFarge if possible and also asked if there is a way to keep access to the Chase Bank parking lot with the closure. Mayor Stolzmann asked staff if RTD is open to a different detour for the bus. Director Pierce stated staff has asked RTD to evaluate a routing to Front Street but they have generally been more interested in using LaFarge Avenue rather than Front Street due to the lack of a good turning radius and ADA compliance on that detour. Councilmember Leh stated clearly the restaurants have been hurt by the COVID restrictions, and it this has clearly disproportionately impacted the residents of LaFarge, particularly with the buses. We need to make a decision for the community as a whole and it won't be without a cost to someone. He supports detouring traffic to Front Street if possible. He stated this closure is limited to this year only, he does not support a permanent closure of Main Street. Councilmember Dickinson noted restaurants have suffered greatly during COVID and this summer will be crucial for them. Many residents say they feel safer eating outdoors; they simply don't want to eat indoors so the outdoor option is needed. He supports a closure that has specific beginning and end dates so everyone knows what the plan is and it is clear this is a temporary plan. Mayor Pro Tern Maloney stated he supports the resolution. He noted the City and the Economic Vitality Department have spent the last year working to help all businesses in town. This resolution is specific to downtown to help those restaurants specifically to address COVID. This is not a discussion of a permanent closure. This does impact the residents downtown, specifically on LaFarge. If there are ways to minimize those impacts, we should do that. Councilmember Brown stated he also supports the resolution and agrees this is a temporary but necessary thing to do. He stated he understands the residents of LaFarge are disproportionately impacted and we should look for ways to mitigate impacts. There is a date certain for the closure so everyone knows the intent. He suggested adding the following whereas clauses in the resolution to clarify the intent of the Council: WHEREAS, since (?), the City of Louisville's patio program has supported Main Street restaurants by providing additional outdoor dining opportunities; and