Asked the City Manager to explore the feasibility of delaying the Mass Avenue reconstruction project to minimize its impact upon the busy season for restaurants and other affected businesses, and, should this not be found feasible, a method of providing financial assistance to the impacted businesses to cover the costs of removing their outdoor dining structures, designed to mitigate some of the financial impacts upon them, should be established

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It has come to the attention of the City Council that the next phase of the planned Mass Ave reconstruction project is set to significantly impact ground-floor businesses (particularly those in and just outside of Central Square) with outdoor dining structures, right as these establishments are gearing up for their most lucrative season of the year; and

These businesses are facing substantial financial burdens due to the requirement to remove their outdoor dining infrastructure to accommodate the reconstruction work, in addition to the expected loss in revenue from reduced dining capacity during their busy season; and

The economic vitality of our local businesses, especially those providing outdoor dining, is crucial to the vibrancy, attractiveness, and economic health of our community, and it is imperative that the City take pains to protect the viability of our small businesses; now therefore be it

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to explore the feasibility of delaying the Mass Avenue reconstruction project to minimize its impact upon the busy season for restaurants and other affected businesses, and, should this not be found feasible, a method of providing financial assistance to the impacted businesses to cover the costs of removing their outdoor dining structures, designed to mitigate some of the financial impacts upon them, should be established; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter within 14 days of this Policy Order being passed.