14 21-0358 Subject: Extension Of Flex Streets Program
From: Office Of The City Administrator
Recommendation: Adopt An Ordinance Adding Chapter 8.62, Section 5.51.150, Section 12.08.250, And Section 17.07.060(C) Of The Oakland Municipal Code (O.M.C.) To Expand Restaurant, Retail, Café, Parklet, And Mobile Food Vending Temporary Uses Of Outdoor Private Spaces And Public Right-Of-Ways ("Oakland Flex Streets Program") Until March 31, 2022 To Encourage Healthy Outdoor Use And Enjoyment Of Businesses; And Adopting Appropriate California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Findings
Flex Streets have been one of the highlights from this past year. They activate the streets and create visibility for businesses. When implemented properly, they also contribute to business district beautification. For our business, it's been vital to our survival while our indoor bar program has remained closed during the pandemic, and will continue to be essential as we slowly re-open indoor operations.
I understand that businesses should have the ability to use the streets for their businesses BUT I am not for closing street in residential areas. There has been no neighborhood input. Who decides what streets should be shut down? The shutting down of
the lake area is a implicit bias decision bordering upon racism.
Good afternoon, my name is Cindy Reevesvankleef, owner of café Vankleef located at 1621 Telegraph Ave. (also known as Peter Vankleef Way). I am 100% in support of keeping the flex Street program open. The flex Street program is the best thing that’s happened during this Covid nightmare. I’ve been able to hire back almost 100% of my staff that have worked so hard in the past and are working even harder now to keep our patrons and themselves safe. Our patrons are so happy and grateful that we are open and that we have the outdoor seating available to them to come and finally get to socialize with each other safely, and at the same time my staff are able to keep bread and milk on their tables. To end the flex Street program I feel would be A great disappointment to many. Let’s keep it up and running at least until 2022, and perhaps by then we can talk about keeping it permanent!👍👍
The flex streets program has provided much needed outdoor dining space during the pandemic. The program also serves as a great example of how reclaiming space dedicated to cars can create a more enjoyable and welcoming environment for pedestrians. I encourage the extension and expansion of this program for the long-term, not simply as a COVID fix. I live in the Jack London Square neighborhood and I have thoroughly enjoyed more outdoor dining options and the more vibrant community they create.
Jack London sq neighborhood is a grid of low traffic streets. A slow street on 4th or 3rd streets would be amazing for the neighborhood and for the rush of people this neighborhood receives every weekend. The flex streets have been great, but the execution has not reached its full potential. I support continuing the flex streets program to 2022 so we can see the potential full realized for this neighborhood.
From original Pattern Brewing: Flex Streets has been critical to our survival during the pandemic, and while restrictions will end June 15, we anticipate many customers will remain cautious and prefer to sit outside and maintain distance from other customers so we we anticipate that Flex Streets will continue to be critical to our survival after June 15. We are grateful to the City for creating this amazing program and we wish to see it extended. Thank you.
Flex Streets have been one of the highlights from this past year. They activate the streets and create visibility for businesses. When implemented properly, they also contribute to business district beautification. For our business, it's been vital to our survival while our indoor bar program has remained closed during the pandemic, and will continue to be essential as we slowly re-open indoor operations.
I understand that businesses should have the ability to use the streets for their businesses BUT I am not for closing street in residential areas. There has been no neighborhood input. Who decides what streets should be shut down? The shutting down of
the lake area is a implicit bias decision bordering upon racism.
Good afternoon, my name is Cindy Reevesvankleef, owner of café Vankleef located at 1621 Telegraph Ave. (also known as Peter Vankleef Way). I am 100% in support of keeping the flex Street program open. The flex Street program is the best thing that’s happened during this Covid nightmare. I’ve been able to hire back almost 100% of my staff that have worked so hard in the past and are working even harder now to keep our patrons and themselves safe. Our patrons are so happy and grateful that we are open and that we have the outdoor seating available to them to come and finally get to socialize with each other safely, and at the same time my staff are able to keep bread and milk on their tables. To end the flex Street program I feel would be A great disappointment to many. Let’s keep it up and running at least until 2022, and perhaps by then we can talk about keeping it permanent!👍👍
The flex streets program has provided much needed outdoor dining space during the pandemic. The program also serves as a great example of how reclaiming space dedicated to cars can create a more enjoyable and welcoming environment for pedestrians. I encourage the extension and expansion of this program for the long-term, not simply as a COVID fix. I live in the Jack London Square neighborhood and I have thoroughly enjoyed more outdoor dining options and the more vibrant community they create.
Jack London sq neighborhood is a grid of low traffic streets. A slow street on 4th or 3rd streets would be amazing for the neighborhood and for the rush of people this neighborhood receives every weekend. The flex streets have been great, but the execution has not reached its full potential. I support continuing the flex streets program to 2022 so we can see the potential full realized for this neighborhood.
From original Pattern Brewing: Flex Streets has been critical to our survival during the pandemic, and while restrictions will end June 15, we anticipate many customers will remain cautious and prefer to sit outside and maintain distance from other customers so we we anticipate that Flex Streets will continue to be critical to our survival after June 15. We are grateful to the City for creating this amazing program and we wish to see it extended. Thank you.