That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, and the Harvard Square Advisory Committee on a plan for piloting more street closures for pedestrianization

WHEREAS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the benefits of new ways to approach public spaces are evident, including enhancing outdoor spaces by creating on-street patios and closing certain streets to vehicular traffic for community enjoyment; and WHEREAS: Cities often benefit from the pedestrianization of highly trafficked areas, including an increase in safety and an open space for restaurant seating, retail, and residents; and WHEREAS: In the fall of 2019, the Council unanimously passed an order asking for the city to consider selecting streets in Harvard Square for closure to vehicle traffic on a select number of days in the summer of 2020; and WHEREAS: In the fall of 2020, the Council passed an order asking that the City consult with stakeholders and implement a pilot program to close some streets on weekends and possibly weeknights in Harvard Square, as well as establish a stakeholder committee to study traffic impacts; and WHEREAS: At a Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebrations Committee meeting in November of 2020, there was discussion about a desire for implementation of a pilot program and increased pedestrianization of Harvard Square to move forward, and the steps taken to enliven Harvard Square include a Sunday market on Church Street which are positive developments that do not go far enough; now therefore be it ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, and the Harvard Square Advisory Committee on a plan for piloting more closures and developing a long-term vision as quickly as possible; and be it further ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this issue by the summer meeting.