There is interest from a number of businesses along 18th Street to close a portion of the street to traffic and/or expanding the sidewalk in response to the current health crisis. The idea behind the move is to give businesses the opportunity to use the sidewalks to serve customers with more social distancing while allowing pedestrians to use the roadway.
Some concerns that will need to be accommodated include deliveries to the businesses and the ability for food delivery services (and other customers) to pick up food from restaurants. In addition, three bus routes would need to be rerouted and safety and emergency access concerns would need to be addressed as well.
An ad hoc committee has been formed to work on the issue, including representatives from ANC1C, CM Brianne Nadeau's office, and neighborhood businesses and residents. Please indicate on the form if you would like to be a part of that committee (the committee has only met once so far).
It's important to be clear that this endeavor is designed to provide safety and opportunity for small businesses to resume and expand their services; not to entertain large gatherings and spirited neglect of the social distancing guidelines. It is to allow space in our small community and business corridor where inside space is too close for comfort. We are in support of our small businesses to be able to operate safely first and foremost.
We have put together a short form to collect input.
Click Here to complete the form.
