REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Oliver Chi, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Ursula Luna-Reynosa, Director of Community Development
Subject:
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Consideration of an Agreement with Choura Events to create a Pilot Program to close the Second Block of Main Street to traffic for outdoor commerce as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic
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Statement of Issue:
On June 1, 2020, the City Council directed staff work with the Downtown BID on the possibility of developing a Pilot Program to close the Second Block of Main Street between Walnut and Olive, to help local downtown businesses as part of the reopening of our local economy from the COVID-19 induced shut-down. Based on that direction, staff has met with the Downtown BID and Choura Events (a firm that has developed similar type projects in Manhattan Beach, Long Beach, and Laguna Beach) to develop a possible program option would create 7 parklets along Main Street between Walnut and Olive. In addition, the plan contemplates utilizing the parking lot at the Historic Surf Museum (which is currently closed due to the State's order) as an additional space for small scale events and activations.
Financial Impact:
Based on the scope of work developed with Choura Events, the cost to develop the Pilot Project for a two month period (tentatively imagined to take place through Labor Day) would be for an amount not to exceed $175,000, plus an additional 20% contingency amount. Under that scope of work, Choura Events would be responsible for working with the City and the Downtown BID to design, install, and tear down improvements that will allow businesses in Downtown to expand commercial activity outdoors, providing an opportunity to better comply with social distancing requirements and increase sales.
Of note, the Downtown BID is meeting to discuss their ability to contribute financially towards the Pilot Project. Given the Downtown BID's current f...
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