Agenda Item
6.18 23-0782 Subject: Flex Streets Program Public Street Closures
From: Councilmember Fife
Recommendation: Adopt An Ordinance Amending Section 8.62.100 Of The Oakland Municipal Code (O.M.C.) For The Purposes Of: (1) Reinstating The Portion Of The Flex Streets Program Facilitating Public Street Closures For Restaurant, Retail, Café, Parklet, And Other Businesses To Close And Use Public Right-Of-Ways To Encourage Public Safety, Business Development, And Healthy Outdoor Use And Enjoyment Of Public Spaces; And (2) Creating A New Sunset Date Of December 31, 2025 For Public Street Closures As Part Of The Flex Streets Program; And (3) Adopting Appropriate California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Findings
As Director of the Oakland Museum of California, I am writing in support of the ordinance reinstating and extending the Flex Street Program Public Street Closures. While the program was introduced to support business activity and safe public gathering during the pandemic, it will also be very helpful in streamlining the permitting process for long-standing events, such as Friday Nights @ OMCA with Off the Grid. The Museum's free Friday Nights program is nearing its 10th anniversary of providing a place for community connection for Oakland residents and visitors, featuring Off the Grid food trucks as well as music, family activities, and cultural celebrations. The Flex Streets Program will enhance our ability to continue to offer this safe and healing place of gathering and community-building and we encourage the Council's approval.