HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Read Before Packet - 3/7/2017 - Letter From Downtown Business Association Re: Appropriate Use Of Public Space Proposed Regulations - Agenda Item #20DowntownFortCollins.com
(970) 484-6500 19 Old Town Square #230 Fort Collins, CO 80524
Date: March 1, 2017
To: Mayor Troxell and City Council
From: Downtown Business Association
Re: Appropriate Use of Public Space Proposed Regulations
Greetings Mayor Troxell & City Council,
Please accept this letter of support with respect to the current proposed regulations regarding
the appropriate use of public space. First, we’d like to thank and recognize City Council and City
Staff for the involvement and community engagement on this topic – the DBA applauds the
City’s ongoing efforts to find comprehensive solutions that balance compassion and
consequences in our community.
After conducting outreach and dialogue efforts amongst members, the DBA recommends
adopting these regulations as a 1-year pilot program designed to introduce the new ordinance,
collect information and evaluate long-term feasibility.
This is important to our membership because perceptions of safety affect downtown
businesses, residents, visitors, and ultimately, sales tax collections. If adopted, this ordinance is
a positive step toward finding comprehensive community-based solutions while also addressing
businesses’ and residents’ concerns regarding safety downtown.
The DBA is committed to making downtown an inviting and welcoming place for all. Specifically,
we are committed to social sustainability progress through initiatives such as the DBA
Downtown Ambassador Program, the impending DBA Give Real Change campaign and through
financial support of Outreach Fort Collins. In 2016, the DBA also proudly donated over $85,000
to the Food Bank for Larimer County through our annual Great Plates of Downtown restaurant
promotion and fundraiser.
As such, we respectfully suggest inclusion in the ordinance of the following conditions:
• Expand the enforcement zone to include the River District and Old Town’s enhanced
alleyways, such as Montezuma Fuller alley.
• Emphasize access to public spaces and access to right-of-way corridors such as
sidewalks, store fronts, loading zones, public transit kiosks, parks and plazas.
• Emphasize the proper and intended use of public space features (i.e., a bench is made
for sitting and resting but not for long-term storage of unattended personal property).
• Adoption of these regulations as a 1-year pilot program.
• We applaud and agree with Council’s decision to eliminate time limitations from the
ordinance.
Thank you for the consideration, as adoption of these regulations is vital to maintaining
downtown’s thriving business climate and ensuring that Old Town is a vibrant and welcoming
place for all.
Sincerely,
The Downtown Business Association
March 7, 2017
Council Meeting Agenda -
Item #20