Public Space Usage During COVID-19: Supporting Asheville’s Recovery Protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public is the City of Asheville’s top priority. The City of Asheville is committed to supporting and responding to the changing needs of the community during the COVID-19 crisis and through phases of recovery. With consideration for physical distancing and other safety measures implemented by public health officials, the City is launching new ways to use outdoor spaces – like streets, sidewalks, parking areas and parks – differently, to support economic recovery and other community and business needs. This work relies on collaboration, communication and flexibility across sectors of government, business and community. City staff and City Council received great ideas and proposals in the spring and continues to welcome input. Staff is tracking and reviewing recommendations along with current and emerging best practices from other cities. It is critical that planning and implementation for uses of public space is equitable and inclusive. Together, we can improve our collective future by making space at the table for a more diverse set of voices, neighborhoods and partners in those efforts. Intentional and strategic community engagement is key in the rollout and continued operation of these programs. Initiatives are being rolled-out incrementally for temporary periods. Feedback along the way is informing adjustments and consideration of expansion and continuation. This webpage will continue to be updated regularly. Happening Now The City has an interdepartmental team working to help the community by expanding opportunities to use public space in alignment with public health guidance. UPDATE 9/28: programs will continue through January 3 (beyond the initial Oct 31 trial period). More information for businesses on the winter extension is available here. The winter guidelines are available for reference here. Businesses can begin submitting their winterization plans on September 30 through the City’s Development Portal. New applications are continuing to be accepted for each program. Businesses that are currently participating but that will be making changes for winter (i.e. incorporating heating) must submit their winterization plans for authorization. City staff are available to answer questions and provide consultation related to winterization by calling 828-259-5967 or emailing buildingsafety@ashevillenc.gov. Current Initiatives: Curbside pick-up zones in commercial districts – launched 5/22 Announcement details are here. These zones are located in commercial areas to serve surrounding businesses and services. The zones are not dedicated to individual businesses, but provide opportunities for customers to more easily access curbside pick-up within the surrounding area. A map of current pick-up zones is available here. To request a new curbside pick-up zone, please email parking@ashevillenc.gov. Expanded opportunities for flexible use of private property – launched 5/22 Businesses can request to use their private parking lots, landscape areas, and walkways to expand operations in alignment with public health guidelines. Fill out this online request form to request expanded use of private property. *Requests that fall within the temporary outdoor expansion guidelines are not subject to a formal permit process but must receive authorization through this program application. Announcement details are here. Pedestrian-only streets to support peaceful protesting and ensure pedestrian safety – launched 6/8 Sign up for updates at www.ashevillenc.gov/avlalert Expanded flexibility for use of sidewalks – launched 6/5 Businesses can request to use areas of adjacent public sidewalk to expand operations (i.e. seating, merchandise display) in alignment with public health guidelines. Fill out this online form to request expanded use of sidewalk space. Note that 6 feet of pedestrian passageway must be maintained. *Requests that fall within the temporary outdoor expansion guidelines for Sidewalks are not subject to a formal permit process but must receive authorization through this program application. Announcement details are here Creation of “temporary parklets” in on-street parking spaces for dining and merchandise – launched 6/19 Business and organizations can request to temporarily use 1-3 on-street parking spaces adjacent to their storefronts for extended outdoor dining or merchandise. The application and guidelines are available here. Shared Streets for commerce and recreation Launched 6/18 on The Block (portions of Eagle and S. Market) Launched 6/25 on Banks, Buxton and Collier in South Slope Launched 7/2 on Wall Street and a portion of College Street More information and guidelines on Shared Street use is here. All application forms can be found on the Development Portal. Current Guiding Principles and Goals Align with the guidance of state and local public health agencies Support the recovery of our local economy and the overall vitality of Asheville’s commercial districts Expand opportunities for safe public access to businesses and services Be flexible to accommodate the changing operational needs of businesses and organizations Introduce new or different uses of public space that support the health, safety and well-being of our community Provide a framework that incorporates opportunities for implementation across varied geographic areas and equitable engagement in decision-making Consider longer-term implementation of successful tools and strategies Recognize that balancing the needs and uses of public space often requires compromise Aim to maximize public benefit while 1) prioritizing responsiveness to the recovery needs specific to COVID-19 and 2) using an equity lens to weigh particular uses over others. Make sure initiatives can respond quickly to the community’s needs without compromising public safety Use public resources responsibly How Can I Submit Ideas or Feedback? Please visit the project’s Public Input page here. Email the team at publicspace@publicinput.com. COVID-19 Resources Find up to date information on COVID-19 in Buncombe County at www.buncombecounty.org. Physical Distancing Guidance The risk of transmission of COVID-19 is based upon close contact criteria. There are two components to close contact: The physical distance between two people The duration of time spent less than 6 feet apart Individuals briefly passing one another on the sidewalk have a low risk for transmission. This risk is reduced much further if both those people are wearing face coverings. People walking together in a group down the sidewalk at less than 6ft distance have a greater risk, which again can be reduced by wearing face coverings. Please be sure to follow the 3 W’s. Current City of Asheville Measures to Support Businesses with Recovery Suspended fees for outdoor dining, signage and pushcart permits until January 2021 More information is here Waived fees for street parking and city-owned parking garages Fare-free bus service Public handwashing stations and restrooms. Click here for a map. Eased restrictions on food truck operations Eased signage restrictions for eating establishments Free Parking in City Parking Garage through July Information and Application Materials AVL Shares Space extended to January 3 with winter guidelines – Press Release City of Asheville launches shares streets and parklet programs – Press Release City of Asheville expands flexibility for business use of sidewalks in addition to private lots – Press Release City of Asheville launches curbside pick-up program and expands flexibility for business use of private lots – Press Release Forms and guidelines Winter Guidelines Winter Outdoor Expansion Request Form Temporary Outdoor Expansion Guidelines (for private property) Temporary Outdoor Expansion Request Form (for private property) Temporary Outdoor Expansion Guidelines for Public Sidewalks Temporary Outdoor Expansion Request Form for Public Sidewalks Temporary Outdoor Expansion Request for Parklets Contact Contact us at publicspace@publicinput.com. Updated 10/21/2020