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Councilmember Shachner spoke to the potential and opportunity that parklets could afford and <br /> anticipated future discussion in committee. <br /> Ian Andrews ofLakewood Alive spoke to the history of the city's parklet research in 2015. The <br /> notable barrier at the time was a lack offunding. He noted that if it is safe, it could expand the <br /> front door of a restaurant. He suggested creating a temporary parklet program through the <br /> Planning Commission, which would then oversee applications of business owners. <br /> Patty Ryan of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce shared that the chamber's business <br /> reopening survey indicated that social distancing was one of the prime impacts on when and how <br /> businesses would reopen. Half of the restaurants in the survey indicated that reduced amounts of <br /> tables and not being able to turn them over quickly enough would not make sense for them to <br /> reopen their businesses before social distancing ban was lied, which likely won't happen before <br /> the fall of 2020. There were 47 respondents to the survey and 3 of them have closed permanently. <br /> She stated support for parklets in the long run. She noted to do the parklet concept well, a <br /> business invested in it would be needed. <br /> Chief Dunphy, highlighting the time sensitive nature of the topic, inquired as to whether <br /> discussion could be had sooner rather than later. Councilmember Shachner stated that he was <br /> happy to begin conversation on the item at the following day's Housing, Planning, & <br /> Development Committee meeting. <br /> Acting Director Milius noted that the Planning Commission deadline is next week and moving <br /> the conversation faster could get applicants onto the June agenda. She suggested keeping <br /> outdoor dining off the street during Phase 1. <br /> Director Corrigan stated that tomorrow's agenda is already noticed and that there is a 24-hour <br /> requirement to notice for committee meetings. However the item noticed on tomorrow's has a <br /> overlap with the parklet issue. He noted that this specific item was not properly noticed. <br /> Ian Andrews ofLakewood Alive asked that the city look at sidewalk dining requirements so <br /> restaurants can set out tables and chairs in a safe way. <br /> Councilmember Bullock expressed hope that the Planning Commission would meet weekly and <br /> to have emergency Council meetings as necessary. <br /> On the motion: A roll call vote was taken as follows: <br /> Yeas —Bullock, Kepple, Litten, Neff, O'Malley, Rader, Shachner <br /> Nays —None <br /> Motion passed. The communication was referred to the Housing, Planning, & Development <br /> Committee. <br />