HomeMy WebLinkAboutConstituent Letter - Read Before Packet - 3/21/2017 - Memorandum From Downtown Business Association Re: Follow Up: Ordinance No. 43, 2017 - Public Space Proposed Regulations - Agenda Item 17DowntownFortCollins.com
(970) 484-6500 19 Old Town Square #230 Fort Collins, CO 80524
Date: March 13, 2017
To: Honorable Wade Troxell and City Council
From: Downtown Business Association
Re: Follow-up: Ordinance No. 43, 2017 - Public Space Proposed Regulations
Mayor Troxell & City Council,
Please accept this follow-up letter with respect to the second reading of the proposed
regulations regarding the appropriate use of public space, ordinance No. 43, 2017. The DBA
would like to reinforce its appreciation for the dialogue and engagement opportunities, as well
as commend Staff’s commitment to outreach within the business community. We appreciate the
ongoing efforts to find comprehensive solutions that balance compassion and consequences.
As an addition to the first reading of the ordinance, the DBA respectfully requests that language
from section 17-46(b) be reconsidered for inclusion. Specifically, we’d like to re-emphasize that
lying on public sidewalks and pedestrian walkways is not an appropriate nor intended use of
public space. While sitting or kneeling in public plazas can be reasonably understood in many
circumstances, the outright impendence or obstruction of right-of-ways or public amenities is
counter to the DBA’s vision of downtown being a welcoming and inviting place for all.
As perceptions of safety continue to affect the experience of downtown businesses, residents
and visitors, we view the first reading of this ordinance as a positive step but recognize that
many more community conversations are needed and that much unfinished work remains on
this complex issue.
As such, we’d like to re-emphasize the following suggested conditions regarding the second
reading and potential adoption of the ordinance:
• Reconsider language from the originally proposed wording specific to section 17-46(b),
regarding the appropriate use of sidewalks and pedestrian walkways.
• Adopt this ordinance as a 1-year pilot program with identifiable metrics to be
incorporated and considered as part of the “Plan, Do, Check, Act” methodology.
• 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).
• We applaud and agree with Council’s decision to eliminate time restrictions for sitting
and resting from the ordinance.
Thank you again 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 21, 2017
City Council Meeting
Agenda Item #17