minhous 05-27-20 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE HOUSING, PLANNING, & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE May 27, 2020 Online Broadcast Meeting Present: Councilmembers Shachner, Kepple, Rader Also Present: Councilmember Bullock, Mayor George, Chief Dunphy, Chief Malley, Assistant Director Swallow, Acting Director Milius, Comissioner Meyers, Allison Hennie & David Baas of the Planning Department, a couple members of the public, & Clerk Bach Start time: 5:30 p.m. AGENDA Approval of the minutes of the May 19, 2020 Housing, Planning, & Development committee meeting Chairman Shachner made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Rader to approve the minutes. A roll call vote was taken as follows: Yeas —Kepple, Rader, Shachner Nays —None Motion passed. The minutes were approved. Communication from Councilmembers Bullock, Kepple, & Shachner regarding permitting parklets as a tool for economic relief for Lakewood businesses. (Referred to HPD 5/18/20) Chairman Shachner gave an overview of the meeting and what steps he anticipates moving forward. He expressed a desire to start the conversation regarding parklets. He noted the importance of safety when considering their implementation. He highlighted the importance of providing as much space as possible in restaurants to avoid creating environments that culture COVID-19 infections. He alluded to various physical examples of parklets provided by Mayor George prior to the meeting. Councilmember Kepple discussed concerns over parking. Referring to data collected by the Better Block Foundation, she noted that in Chicago, 80% of the businesses that added parklets saw an increase in foot traffic and more spending. A parklet holds 8-10 people compared to an empty car in a parking space. Chairman Shachner spoke to the balance that needs to be struck with Lakewood being an inner ring suburb,juggling the need to accommodate visitors to the community while taking into account Lakewood's walkability for current residents.