Northampton_RRP Rubric for Proposed Project_outdoor dining and shared spacesRRP Rubric for Proposed Project*
Last Updated 6/8/2021
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Project Title
Develop long-term permitting and operations mechanisms for outdoor dining and shared spaces
Origin
City of Northampton
Downtown Northampton Association (DNA)
Location/Census Tract
Downtown Northampton (see map attached)
Budget & Sources of Funding
Low (Under $50k)
Source of Funding: TBD
Timeframe
Short-term (Less than 5 years)
Risks
High:
Potential conflict arising from private use of public right-of-way
Mitigating loss of parking
Uncertainty around long-term structure of state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) laws
Accessibility
Challenges from condition and slope of brick pavers adjacent to sidewalk
Article 97 challenges for dining in parks
Key Performance Indicators
Annual number of applications
Change in revenues of retail establishments
Public opinion
Ease of process
Partners & Resources
DNA
Greater NorthamptonChamber of Commerce
Historic Northampton
City of Northampton
Diagnostic/ COVID-19 Impacts
The City of Northampton has an existing program of outdoor dining on sidewalks but it is very limited
Some outdoor restaurants have outdoor dining on city land, which was allowed during COVID-19
Some retail owners have not been supportive of outdoor dining since it removed parking on Main Street
72% of 82 businesses surveyed believe the implementation/expansion of outdoor dining is ‘important’ or ‘very important’
Many café and restaurant owners and patrons greatly enjoy having outdoor dining on Main Street, and an existing closure on Strong Ave has been favorably received
Retail and dining are the lifeblood of Downtown Northampton’s economy, occupying 2/3 of all ground floor square footage with 132 retails stores and 38 dining establishments. An increase
in the space gaining customers will be a boon for recovery and revitalization
Action Item
Identify municipalities that have permanent outdoor dining permitting and review documents
Review and discuss Northampton’s temporary permitting, including clarifications of private use of public right-of-way, parks, and parking lots
Update/draft new outdoor dining permitting regulations
Incorporate language for the permitting of retail outdoors in addition to dining
Process
TBD