Mayor Robert Garcia, by email on Tuesday, May 19, announced the City Council approved what was called an “Open Streets Initiative,” to repurpose temporarily some public spaces, like sidewalk, off-street parking and large parking lots into spaces for physically distanced retail and possibly entertainment.
The email said, “Over the last few weeks, we have heard from so many small businesses which are hurting and want to reopen but are worried about how to do so safely. All across the world, we are seeing cities and small businesses work together on outdoor dining and other uses of open space to spur economic activity, support community building and a sense of normalcy we all crave while physically distanced.”
He assured moving forward would be done when “it is safe to do so” and added “with the right setup” more pedestrian and bicycle spaces will also be created.
He attached the slide deck, which was part of the presentation to the City Council. It can be viewed at http://longbeach.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=8445660&GUID=4E4CA873-1619-4A32-A6A5-31ACC4512176.
Barry Saks 
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