AgdaPkt 2002-10-07 - Laserfiche WebLink

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IREPOR T ~o the Honorable MayOrand City Council .... From.the City Manager October 7, 2002 Subject Amendments to the Broadway Mall Ordinance regulating Sidewalk Caf(~s in Downtown Redwood City, (Section 33A of the Redwood City Code). Recommendation Approve the recommended ordinance amendments concerning Sidewalk Caf(~s on the "Broadway Mall" including changing the name to "Downtown Sidewalk Caf~ Ordinance", (companion Sidewalk Caf(~ Guidelines have been included for your information but are not intended for adoption by Council). Background The existing Broadway Mall Ordinance was passed in the 1970's as a way to help make Broadway an active pedestrian area. In 1993, the ordinance was changed to encourage cafes to put tables and chairs outside. Approximately one dozen restaurants downtown have done so. In 1999-2000 the City began to take a comprehensive look at ways to make its downtown better. The Downtown Area Plan was drafted in 2001. The Downtown Area Plan placed a strong emphasis on urban design and the creation of pleasant pedestrian spaces, and in late 2001 the City Council considered and passed the following policy statement: "it is the policy of the City of Redwood City that in the design of public and private projects, high priority be given to creating comfortable, enjoyable, and aesthetically pleasing public spaces'~. Adopted September 10, 2001 Also during 2001 the City began to work with Fred Kent of the Project for Public Spaces (PPS). Through a sedes of workshops and exercises in the downtown, a group of citizens, staff and policy makers began to understand some of the public spaces in the downtown in a new way. This new insight led to changes to the plaza behind City Hall to better accommodate the Fdday music events. We are continuing to work in cooperation with the adjacent owners and tenants to make this space even better. One of the major ways that the City encourages use of outdoor space in the downtown is through the Broadway Mall Ordinance. Staff is recommending a series of amendments to the ordinance as part of our broad new look at downtown.