Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution directs staff to pursue an experimental closure of the 400-600 blocks of State Street to non-emergency vehicular traffic in 2024 in order to test the feasibility and success of a pedestrian mall concept. Large expenditures identified when studying the results of the 2024 experiment will be included in future Capital and Operating budgets. No additional City appropriation required in 2023.
Title
Directing staff to take the steps necessary to conduct an experimental closure of the 400-600 blocks of State Street, including notification of directly impacted stakeholders. (District 2)
Body
WHEREAS, the Metro Transit Network Redesign removed buses from the 400-600 blocks of State Street in June 2023; and
WHEREAS, the Downtown Coordinating Committee (DCC) spent several months studying the potential of closing these blocks to vehicular traffic by engaging with staff from multiple City agencies and local stakeholders, and some of the issues discussed are highlighted herein; and
WHEREAS, members of the Disability Rights Commission and Disability Rights and Services Specialist discussed the importance of keeping the mainline sidewalk open, and to consider new ways to maintain equitable access to businesses, transportation, activities and events; and
WHEREAS, Emergency Services personnel from the Police and Fire Departments emphasized the necessity to maintain a 20-foot wide path, clear of any obstructions, for required emergency access to the area at all times as there are regular calls for service to the area, especially during large events, late nights, and weekends; and
WHEREAS, staff from the Streets and Parks Divisions provided in-depth information related to the timing of cleaning, street sweeping, garbage pick-up, snow removal and other essential maintenance services that primarily takes place weekdays from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm, but occasionally other times during Saturday events, and snow emergencies; and
WHEREAS, Engineerin...
Click here for full text