That the City Manager is requested to work with the Traffic , Parking and Transportation Department and the License Commission to establish a "play streets" permit

City of Cambridge O-7 ORIGINAL ORDER IN CITY COUNCIL May 6, 2019 COUNCILLOR MALLON VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI WHEREAS: Block parties are a way for neighbors to gather outside of their homes, generate their own open space, and build community; and WHEREAS: By closing off a street or segment of a street, block parties help the City achieve our goal of giving pedestrians increased access to pedestrian-only spaces; and WHEREAS: Making block parties easier to host is a priority for residents, especially as the summer months are approaching; and WHEREAS: The City of Seattle has created a new permit called block party/play streets to “allow residents of Seattle to open neighborhood streets to kids and adults for more space for socializing, playing, and physical activity”; and WHEREAS: The permit increases access and ease of planning for block parties by allowing non- arterial streets to be closed for up to 3 days per week, but for no more than 12 hours per week; and WHEREAS: This permit strikes a balance between allowing neighborhoods increased access to their streets, while ensuring safety and notification measures, as well as logistical considerations such as: • Applications must be submitted 14 days in advance • The street must be non-arterial, limited to one block long, and cannot include bus service • Proper neighborhood notification and coordination is required for approval • Neighbors must affirm that they have read safety information materials regarding safely setting up and breaking down a play street Additional requirements apply for large, immovable objects like stage; and WHEREAS: There are other, Cambridge-specific requirements the City can include if needed; now therefore be it

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and License Commission to determine the feasibility of implementing a “Play Streets” permit for the City of Cambridge; and be it further ORDERED: That the City Manager respond back to the City Council in a timely manner.