TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file a presentation on the Citywide Temporary Parklet Program and request direction from City Council regarding the Program’s June 30, 2022 sunset date and possible extension to businesses that apply for a Permanent Parklet Permit. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
In response to COVID-19 pandemic impacts and changing Health Orders, the City of Long Beach (City) embarked on an Open Streets Initiative (Initiative) which included Outdoor Activity Permits to support both a Temporary Parklet Program (Program) and expansion of operations on private property, in the Spring of 2020. The Program was implemented to achieve two primary goals. First, to support businesses throughout Long Beach by providing additional space for restaurants and bars to expand their operations outdoors. Second, to provide more space for proper social distancing and adherence to relevant Health Orders. On May 24, 2022, the City Council directed City staff to bring back this item to discuss and provide direction on the future of the Program.
Over the past 25 months, the Program has successfully allowed for outdoor dining at more than 130 temporary parklet locations throughout Long Beach. The Program has experienced both challenges and successes since implementation. The Public Works Department has been responsive to concerns 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 ultimately responsible for the safety of the temporary parklet installations.
On September 14, 2021, the City Council supported an extension of the previously approved Initiative, thereby allowing restaurants and other related service industries to continue to utilize temporary parklets, outdoor dining spaces and Outdoor Activity Permits (OAP) through June 30, 2022.
As the sunset date for the Program draws near, Public Works staff has prepared an overview that evaluates the Program and highlights the following areas:
• Program Status - The number of businesses utilizing temporary parklets throughout Long Beach
• Considerations - Initial installation and throughout the life of the parklet
• Outreach - Stakeholders were provided opportunities to voice concerns via email, phone, and surveys
• Program Integrity - Impacts to staff
• Permanent Parklet Program - Interest and feasibility
• Recommendation - City staff recommend that the City Council sunset the Open Streets Initiative and the Temporary Parklet Program on June 30, 2022. This includes all parklets and outdoor space created for
added operational capacity both on City property (including the right-of-way) and private property. However, since this item is being discussed two weeks prior to the conclusion date, City staff recommend allowing a one month extension for businesses who have expressed interest in the Permanent Parklet Program to submit an application for the Permanent Parklet Program no later than August 1, 2022. If a business has submitted a Permanent Parklet Permit Application by August 1, 2022, it shall be allowed to keep its existing Temporary Parklet as its Permanent Parklet Permit Application is reviewed by City staff, but no later than September 30, 2022. During this extension, a business is required to ensure all safety and insurance protocols are adhered to. If a business does not timely submit a Permanent Parklet Permit Application, use of its Temporary Parklet must cease on August 1, 2022.
To date, of the initial 125 temporary parklets, 25 have expressed interest to become permanent.
Based on Public Works staff report, staff seek direction from the City Council relative to the sunset date of the Initiative and Program and the possible extension of the Program for businesses seeking to participate in the City’s Permanent Parklet Program.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Erin Weesner-McKinley on June 1, 2022 and by Budget Management Officer Nader Kaamoush on June 16, 2022.
FISCAL IMPACT
If the program is extended, it will allow staff more time to work with businesses interested in converting their temporary parklets into permanent parklets. 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.
Respectfully Submitted,
ERIC LOPEZ
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER