TITLE: Title
Public Hearing for the Temporary Closing of the 100 Block of Weaver Street for a Pilot "Summer Streets" Project
PURPOSE: The purpose of this agenda item is to receive public input on the proposed pilot "Summer Streets" project for the temporary closing of the 100 block of Weaver Street, from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm on the following Sundays: June 21, 2015, July 19, 2015 and August 23, 2015.
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DEPARTMENT: Public Works
CONTACT INFORMATION: George Seiz, 918-7427
INFORMATION: At the April 21 meeting the Board of Aldermen requested that staff consider the idea of a pilot "Summer Streets" project which would involve the closing of the 100 block of East Weaver St. on a series of Sundays during the summer of 2015. A public hearing was set at the May 12, 2015 regular Board of Aldermen meeting to receive input on the proposed matter.
The initial request was to close East Weaver for every Sunday from June 1 - July 1. Town staff suggested that a Sunday in each month of June, July and August be considered. Spreading the time frame over three months broadens the pilot period for getting better feedback and is also better in terms of the town being able to provide staffing (traffic control set-up, Police assistance). .
The following information is also submitted for consideration:
1) The requested events will be from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm, however, it will be necessary to close down the road at least ½ hour before (as people gather) and re-opened ½ hour after (time to clear the street).
2) Traffic control and protection requires the merging of the two westbound lanes on Main Street and the some lane closures at the intersection of N. Greensboro and Weaver. It will take 3-4 Public Works employees to set up and tear down the traffic control (warning signs, traffic cones, large barricades and an arrow board).
3) Because the closure period extends into the late morning when traffic typically picks up on Sunday, one or two Police Officers may be required to help with traffic control and pedestrian crossing (e.g. keep intersections at Weaver & Greensboro, Weaver & Roberson clear). It cannot be guaranteed that on-duty police officers will be available to assist so it may be necessary to bring in off-duty officers. The need for police officers can be reviewed after the first event closure.
4) Some litter patrol and clean-up of the street and right-of-way may be needed at the conclusion of the event depending on activities within the closure
5) There are six parking spaces in the 100 block of Weaver St, which would not be used for business parking while the street is closed.
6) The Century Center is host to many Sunday events (e.g. religious meetings, fundraisers) during these months and may take place during a portion or all of the proposed closing period.
7) In recent years for closures of this nature (Open Streets, Music Festival) flashing message boards announcing the event and road closure have been put in place roughly seven days in advance of the event. The cost for renting two message boards for a week is about $1,040.
The Economic Community Development Director spoke with several businesses adjacent to East Weaver and received positive comments about the potential closures with the exception of the comments from the Carr Mill Mall management. Town staff is not aware if any specific proposed activities within the closed area. It is suggested that information about any planned activities be provided before approving any of the closures.
FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT: Town staff budgets for overtime and rentals for various special events and costs for the closures as proposed would be absorbed by the Town. Estimated costs for traffic control and protection area as follows:
Cost per Sunday closing:
Public Works Overtime - |
$400 - $550 |
Equipment (trucks/fuel) - |
$140 |
Arrow Board rental for Main St lane closure - |
$250 |
Message Board weekly rental |
$1,040 |
Off Duty Police Officer (s) |
$240 |
|
Roughly $2,000 to $2,200 per Sunday |
RECOMMENDATION:r A resolution authorizing the temporary closing of East Weaver on June 15, 2015, July 20, 2015 and August 24, 2015 is attached for the Board's consideration.