Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2024 03 15

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Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes February 16, 2024 Page 5 of 6 Chair Dickinson thanked everyone for their comments and added that there have been several public meetings regarding the closure and that there will be an upcoming City Council meeting to discuss the closure. He echoed that this is all a form of public engagement and hopes to continue to involve residents in the conversation. He did note that there are 20,000 Louisville residents that are all stakeholders in this conversation. Chair Dickinson commented that he heard from several downtown restaurants that the Main Street closure in 2020 and 2021 saved their business. He acknowledged that this is a different situation than 2020 or 2021, but added that he has heard from restaurant owners how much the financial impact can help their business. He noted that a Main Street closure does not necessarily benefit all businesses in the same way (including his), but that having successful businesses on Main Street is central to the Main Street experience. Councilmember Fahey agreed with previous comments that a permanent closure is not feasible at this time and would like to further discuss a temporary closure. Chair Dickinson echoed that this is not a conversation about a permanent closure, but stated that he would like to discuss the length/timing of a temporary closure as well as whether or not the 900 block of Main is included. Councilmember Bierman asked whether the patio program would continue if Main Street is not closed. Staff confirmed that the patio program would be implemented this year. Councilmember Bierman added that he would also like to consider shortening the time period of the closure, limiting the impact of buses on LaFarge, and potentially marking the parking spots on LaFarge. Councilmember Kern echoed comments about marking parking spots, adding wayfinding for parking, and shortening the timeframe of the closure. Chair Dickinson clarified that the closure would not prevent parades from happening. He noted that accommodations could be made to allow for parades to continue down Main Street whether or not the street is closed. Chair Dickinson summarized today's discussion around the temporary Main Street closure and noted that there will be additional conversations in the future. He reiterated that the EVC is not a deciding body, and that the proposal will go to Council on March 19. He clarified that feedback around mitigating negative impacts regarding wayfinding, encouraging parking outside of the downtown area, environmental impacts, and continued public engagement today that will all be considered as part of the proposal moving forward. City Manager Durbin clarified that all questions received today will be presented to City Council prior to Council's decision regarding the Main Street closure on March 19.