Title
Merchant Support - DORA Program and Outdoor Dining
Brief Description: City staff requests to update City Council regarding two merchant support programs: (1) A Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) submitted by Destination Hudson, Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce, and Merchants of Hudson and (2) expanded outdoor dining.
Body
Legislative History
DORA - None
Outdoor dining - Ord. No. 2004-183 - master license agreement for outdoor dining within the First and Main District
Purpose & Explanation
DORA: The City of Hudson received a letter May 19, 2020 jointly submitted from Destination Hudson, Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Merchants of Hudson requesting a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) within downtown Hudson.
Outdoor Dining: City staff have completed phone calls with multiple restaurants as well as met with The Merchants of Hudson, Hudson Chamber, and Destination Hudson. There is interest from several restaurants to establish or expand current outdoor dining areas at the North Main and First and Main sidewalks. A master agreement was authorized by City Council in 2004 to facilitate café seating for First and Main. Staff would request Council feedback regarding an expanded master agreement to facilitate such throughout downtown including North Main Street.
Staff anticipates street closures or related large-scale outdoor dining may not be advantageous at this time. Staff understands that loss of significant street parking would be of concern and restaurants may have better insight into dining needs in a couple additional weeks after reopening.
Timing Considerations
None.
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted (Account #, $)
Supplemental Appropriation Required (Account #, $)
Appropriation Not Required.
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Staff recommends City Council proceed with considering the DORA program with a first reading on June 2, 2020 and authorizing a public hearing at a date TBD.
Submitted by,
Jane Howington, City Manager
Thomas J. Sheridan, Asst City Manager
Greg Hannan, Community Development Director