This week, the City of San Mateo has begun converting on-street parking spaces into protected areas for outdoor dining as part of an effort to boost business for local eateries economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The city also plans to completely close B Street from 2nd to 3rd streets to vehicular traffic using barricades, and also to close one lane on B Street from 1st to Baldwin to vehicular traffic, in order to enhance space for outdoor dining.
At its meeting Monday, San Mateo City Council adopted an emergency ordinance allowing restaurants to use parking spaces for outdoor dining during the public health emergency. B Street, Baldwin, and 1st through 4th avenues are on-street areas receiving parklets. Dining on certain sidewalks and in parking areas of shopping centers are also being temporarily allowed by the city.
The council Monday also provided direction to city staff on which streets to close to vehicular traffic based upon feedback from businesses on the blocks. It decided to close only the west side of B Street from Baldwin to 1st in order to leave access open to a parking lot near Donut Delite. Council decided against closing 1st to 2nd streets due to mixed reviews from businesses.
For those wanting to grab food to go, some on-street parking spaces will turn into short-term parking, according to the city. Garages will remain available for a longer stay.
The council said it would review the progress of the outdoor dining initiative and adjust as needed.
Photo credit: City of San Mateo
