Redwood City is proposing to extend temporary street closures in order to continue to allow outdoor dining and business activities until the end of 2021.
At its meeting tonight, the city’s council will be asked to adopt a resolution allowing for the extension of the program, which would be allowed to resume once the state’s Regional COVID-19 Stay at Home Order is lifted. The program, which aims to boost economic activity for businesses impacted by pandemic-imposed restrictions, is currently expected to expire at the end of this month.
“Many businesses have requested that the City’s outdoor business activity program be extended well into 2021 or until the pandemic ends so that they can evaluate whether investing in additional outdoor dining equipment makes financial sense,” city staff said.
About 40 downtown restaurants and bars have received permits for outdoor dining, which typically takes place until 10 p.m., although most restaurants close before then. Parking is set aside for take-out and delivery, and “dining activity is strongest Thursday, Friday, Saturday nights and Sunday mornings (brunch),” the city said.
“Overall, the parklets and street closure programs have been working well, with minimal complaints from the public,” city staff said.
The outdoor dining program launched June 26.
Map courtesy of the City of Redwood City
