TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Rick Otto, City Manager
1. Subject
title
Review of the Orange Plaza Paseo (Closure of the 100 blocks of north and south Glassell).
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2. Summary
On July 1, 2020, the Governor issued an executive order that prohibited restaurants from operating indoor dining spaces. In response, at their Special Meeting of July 2, 2020, the City Council directed the closure of the 100 blocks of north and south Glassell so that the restaurants in the Plaza area could provide outdoor dining to their customers. With the continuation of the executive order, the City Council approved an extension of the Paseo through September 13th at the July 28th City Council meeting.
3. Recommended Action
recommendation
1. Continue the closure of the 100 blocks of north and south Glassell to at least Sunday, November 15, 2020.
2. Agendize a review of the closure at the November 10, 2020, Regular City Council meeting.
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4. Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact to the City of implementing and operating the closure is minimal. However, the positive fiscal impact to the restaurants in the Plaza area has been significant.
5. Strategic Plan Goals
Goal 1: Be a fiscally healthy community
d. Effectively manage and develop City assets
6. Discussion and Background
On July 1, 2020, the Governor issued an executive order that prohibited restaurants from operating indoor dining spaces due to the number of COVID-19 positive cases in California. In response, at their Special Meeting of July 2, 2020, the City Council directed the closure of the 100 blocks of north and south Glassell so that restaurants in the Plaza area could provide outdoor dining to their customers.
In coordinating the closure, City staff worked closely with the Plaza area restaurants and merchants as well as the Chamber of Commerce, the Orange County Health Department, and the State Department of the Alcohol Beverage Control. The restaurants and merchants were assigned areas on Glassell in front of their businesses in which they could place tables and chairs or merchandise. A fire lane was delineated, and signage was installed promoting the closure as well as advising patrons of operating rules (social distancing, no outside alcohol, alcohol in designated areas, etc). In addition, restaurants and retail businesses along the 100 and 200 blocks of east and west Chapman were offered the parking spaces in front of their businesses for dining and shopping opportunities. Participating merchants were issued a temporary outdoor dining/retail permit. The closure started on Wednesday, July 8th and it was implemented at a minimal cost to the City.
Dubbed the Orange Plaza Paseo, the closure continues to be very successful. Restaurants and many merchants have reported an increase in sales since the launch of the Paseo. The City has received numerous compliments from residents, visitors, and other public agencies, significant positive media coverage, and very few complaints regarding the closure. While the majority of restaurants and merchants have expressed their appreciation and continued support for the closure, two merchants on Glassell have notified the City that the closure has negatively impacted their sales and have requested the re-opening of Glassell.
The success of the Paseo has been a partnership between the City and the downtown businesses. The City continues to actively ensure the Paseo is kept clean and safe, while the businesses have been excellent in managing their operations within the closure. We remain in close contact with the businesses to quickly address any issues as well as look for ways to improve the patron experience with open communication and being flexible with conditions that promote all businesses in the downtown area.
On August 28th, the Governor revealed the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy which delegates each county into a tiered system. Presently Orange County is expected to advance to the Red Tier (we’re currently in Purple, the most restrictive) which allows for some indoor business operations. While Orange County will soon resume indoor dining, it is anticipated that limitations on capacity will continue to remain in place through the end of 2020. With that and the overwhelmingly positive response, staff is recommending the extension of the Paseo through at least November 15th. City Council may also consider extending the Paseo through December 31st however, the City will need to examine the addition of safety enhancements, such as lighting, due to the end of daylight saving on November 1st. If City Council elects to extend the Paseo through November 15th, staff will return to City Council at the November 10th regular City Council meeting with another update.
7. ATTACHMENTS
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