HomeMy WebLinkAboutOpen SLO ProgramPost Date:06/16/2020 10:30AM
The City of San Luis Obispo is excited to kick off the firstactivitiesplannedaspartofOpen
SLO,a new pilot program to expand the use of city streetsandotherpublicspacesto
support physical distancing and theeconomic recovery of local businesses.
The Open SLO program,approved by the City Council in May2020,allowsthetemporary
use of the cityright--of--way,including sidewalks,parking spaces,and streetsforexpansion
of outdoor dining,retail displaysandcasual strolling.In addition,the City hastemporarily
suspended enforcement of private parking requirements,allowing businessesthroughout
the city to expand theirfootprint—including table service—within their private parkinglots
without need for Cityapproval.
The input from businesses and community members has been incredibleandreallyhelped
guide the first part of the Open SLO program”,said Luke Schwartz,TransportationManager.
These types of community partnerships will help ensuretheprogramprotects the safetyof
our community while supporting local businesses as wegraduallyreopen”.
The first Open SLO activities will utilize Mission Plaza,MontereyStreetandHigueraStreet
within the downtown to allow community members tocometogetherandenjoy the
downtown pedestrian district.Segments of Monterey and HigueraStreetswillbe
temporarily closed to car traffic,allowing restaurants and retailers toexpandtheirbusiness
into the street adjacent to their storeswithaCity--issued permit.
Mission Plaza and Monterey Street from Chorro to Osos will be closedtocartrafficstarting
June 18 and will be closed weekly on Thursday and Friday evenings5p.m.to8p.m.)and
weekends 11 a.m.to 8 p.m.).Higuera Street from OsostoNipomowillbeclosed weekly
starting June 26 and will be closed Friday evenings 5 p.m.to8p.m.)andweekends11a.m.
to 8 p.m.).These dates and times are subject to changebaseduponconflictswithother
special events and unforeseen circumstances.Staffwillupdate the openslo.org,CityNews,
the City’s social media channels and contact participating businessesshouldtherebeany
changes.
Public outdoor seating and tables will be also be provided by theCityatselectedlocations,
including Mission Plaza,whereguests are encouraged to grab a takeoutmealfromtheir
favorite restaurant and enjoyitcreek--side.Visitors are encouraged to followallcurrent
public health guidelines to minimize the spreadofCOVID--19,including maintaining
responsible physical distancing,washing hands regularly,and wearing facecoveringsin
public spaces.
Other planned Open SLO activities include moving forward with apilotparkletprogram,
where select street parking stalls are converted to widened sidewalkspaceforwalkingand
outdoor seating,as wellasquick--build measures to provide more space andimprovesafety
for active transportation throughout thecity.
For more information on the Open SLO program,including directionsforbusinesses
interested in ano--fee permit toplace tables and chairs in thepublicright--of--way during
planned street closures,please visit www.OpenSLO.org or contact theCityviaemailat
OpenSLO@slocity.org.