The Manager's report back on the feasibility of creating a Play Streets Permit

As noted in the original Policy Order, a Play Streets program is distinct from a block party in that they typically occur on a more regular basis and do not require individual approvals for each closure, but rather establish a process for closing streets to non-local access on a recurring schedule. This creates the opportunity for simple recreational and community-building activities by making streets space available for purposes other than the movement and storage of vehicles.

During the times when streets are being used as Play Streets, they typically remain open to local residents/abutters, and provisions are always made for ensuring emergency vehicle access. More specific information about Play Streets programs in Seattle and San Francisco programs is available here:

Seattle: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/projects-and-

programs/programs/public-space-management-programs/play-streets

San Francisco: https://sfplaystreets.org

After consulting with License Commission Chair Nicole Murati-Ferrer and learning more about the play streets programs in other communities (notably

Seattle and San Francisco), both the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation

Department and the License Commission believe that such a program is feasible. We would recommend moving forward with a pilot version of such a program, so that we can better determine the level of interest, the logistical requirements, and the operational impacts, before we determine whether such a program should be expanded. The License Commission would not need to

issue any specific permits for a Play Street, unless there is a need for a one day entertainment/temporary amusement license to accommodate live or amplified music, or a performance (and we would not necessarily expect that to occur on a regular basis). Some of the specific questions and issues that we would hope to clarify during a pilot include the following: How frequently would we generally allow a street to be closed as a Play Street?

What are the resources (staff, materials, and funding) required to operate such a program? How often would a Play Streets permit need to be reviewed and re- approved? Would the establishment of a Play Street require that parking be restricted on that segment of street, or can parked cars remain on the street? How well used is the pilot location and are there any overall lessons learned from the pilot? What is the overall response from local residents and are there any unintended consequences or unexpected impacts?

How to Play Streets permits (and the associated activities) relate to the existing Block Party program? How do we handle issues such as outreach/notification, rubbish/recycling, and controlling access to the street for local residents and emergency vehicles. How do we ensure that Play Streets locations are located in a way that is equitable to different neighborhoods and groups? What types of community partners are available to help organize and support Play Streets?

How do we ensure that there are meaningful recreational and community activities happening during a Play Street, such that the street closure truly benefits the local community? What fees should be associated with a Play Street permit? It is worth noting that although some communities make it free to apply for a Play Streets permit, operating a Play Street does require resources from local partners, in terms of both materials and staffing.

For example, San Francisco has established six specific “Captain Roles” that must be filled for each Play Street (requiring at least three different people to be involved), while Seattle requires that an adult monitor be located at the closure location to move the barricades to allow local access.

We look forward to beginning the process of partnering with one or more local neighborhoods on a pilot program to create additional recreational and community opportunities.