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Recommendation to receive and file an update on the Open Streets Initiative plan regarding temporary parklets on the 2nd Street Corridor in Belmont Shore. (District 3)
DISCUSSION
In response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Long Beach (City) launched its Open Streets Initiative (Initiative) that included temporary parklets, outdoor dining spaces, and Outdoor Activity Permits (OAP) in the Spring of 2020. The Initiative was implemented to achieve two primary goals: support businesses citywide by providing additional space for restaurants and bars to safely expand their operations outdoors and provide more space for proper social distancing and adherence to the City’s Safer at Home Health Order for Control of COVID-19 (Health Order).
Over the past 18 months, the Initiative has been successful in allowing temporary parklets and outdoor dining to be installed at over 130 locations throughout the Long Beach. The Public Works Department has been responsive to expressed concerns regarding the Initiative and has engaged stakeholders in an effort to keep temporary parklets safe and utilized to the general satisfaction of residents, businesses, and the City Traffic Engineer, who is responsible for the safety of the temporary parklet installations.
On September 14, 2021, the City Council supported the extension of the previously approved Initiative, allowing restaurants and other related service industries to continue to utilize temporary parklets and OAP through June 30, 2022. Additionally, the City Council asked the Department Public Works to return with a report and presentation regarding the ongoing use of temporary parklets along the 2nd Street corridor before December 31, 2021. This request included an evaluation process for parklets and other installations specifically along the 2nd Street corridor in Belmont Shore.
As part of the recommendation, the City Council requested Public Works to establish a process for residents to share comments or concerns regarding temporary parklets and hold at least one community meeting where all concerned residents would have an opportunity to be heard. After establishing multiple methods of collecting information, the response deadline for stakeholder feedback was November 14, 2021.
Moving forward and in an effort to respond to the City Council’s request for a report by the end of the year, Public Works staff has prepared a presentation that will highlight the following areas:
• The uniqueness of parklets in Belmont Shore - The density of businesses and the number of temporary parklets on 2nd street presents a different set of challenges when compared to other areas in the city where conditions are different.
• Parking Impacts - The loss of metered parking spaces negatively impacts the parking conditions in the Belmont Shore area and streets in the immediate vicinity of 2nd Street.
• Outreach efforts - Outreach opportunities were established and stakeholders were provided opportunities to voice opinions through email, phone, and surveys.
• Short-term adjustments - As part of a multiple inspection process, minor adjustments are currently being made to existing temporary parklets to ensure that they are safe and meet program requirements.
• Future considerations - Because existing temporary parklets may not be allowed to convert to permanent parklets in the future under current conditions, there may be opportunities to improve the existing right of way to meet the Permanent Parklet Program requirements and allow some temporary parklets to be legally converted to permanent.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Erin Weesner-McKinley on November 17, 2021 and by Budget Operations and Development Officer Rhutu Amin Gharib on November 17, 2021.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this item is not time critical.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal or local job impact associated with this recommendation. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
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Respectfully Submitted,
ERIC LOPEZ
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER