Our latest #GOPCThread is available on Twitter, as we once again visit the idea of how cities can help to encourage safe, socially distant communities while not adversely impacting local business and public health in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, this time with an eye on winter weather.
Not on Twitter, the thread is available online , as well as below.
Greater Ohio Policy Center Read on Twitter
The #GOPCThread this week is a follow up from another thread this summer which covered changes that communities across Ohio enacted to allow businesses to operate in expanded outdoor space, including streets & sidewalks
So, what’s the difference between now and July? Simple #GOPCThread
Winter weather is quickly approaching, which can mean anything from rainy 50-degree days to sustained sub-zero temperatures and 3ft of snow in #Ohio. Creative and flexible cities can continue encouraging people to safely use the outdoor spaces created in the summer #GOPCThread
Local governments have untapped capacity to support small business by rethinking their rules. For example, Seattle recently extended permits for sidewalk seating & patios. They also plan to issue free tent & heater permits to restaurants #GOPCThread
Seattle Extends Free Outdoor Seating Permits for Restaurants | seattle.eater.com (click image for link)
The @DtwnNorthville Development Authority is installing heated stands and pods through early March to expand public space and dining options during the worst of the winter months #GOPCThread
How A Popular Michigan Downtown Plans to ‘Heat The Street’ | mlive.com (click image for link)
The City of @HamiltonOh has used CARES Act funds to help local restaurants purchase dining igloos so that patrons won’t get caught in the cold #GOPCThread
Outdoor igloos are also popping up in restaurants in @cityofdayton and @CityofCleveland #GOPCThread
Igloos in Downtown Dayton? They Could be a Restaurant Lifeline | newsbreak.com (click image for link)
Many other restaurants are encouraging patrons to BYOB – bring your own blanket – to help diners adjust to falling temperatures #GOPCThread
Parts of the state that experience heavy snowfall during the winter will have the additional challenge and opportunity to facilitate programming that incorporates this winter staple #GOPCThread
Using existing city parks and open space for winter activities like sledding or ice skating creates opportunities for socially-distanced exercise. Cities should have a plowing and clearing plan in place that prioritizes snow and ice removal on key walkways. #GOPCThread
@CityofCleveland is hosting its annual WinterFest on Public Square, with events planned through mid-January that includes holiday lighting, ice skating, and outdoor restaurants featuring Greenhouse Dining #GOPCThread
Downtown Cleveland Winterfest | downtownnow.city/downtown-dining (click image for link)
The City of Caldwell, ID transforms itself every year into a winter wonderland, with a citywide light display and public ice-skating rink #GOPCThread
Winter Wonderland - Destination Caldwell | destinationcaldwell.com (click image for link)
For more ideas on how to lean into winter fun, check out @MEDC and @MichiganMainSt COVID-19 Response: Winter Strategies for Downtowns and Business Districts #GOPCThread
Winter Strategies for Downtowns & Business Districts | miplace.org (click image for link)
Also be sure to tune into a webinar tomorrow by the National Main Street Center on more quick, low-cost interventions to successfully activate public space during the winter months #GOPCThread
Winter Places Creating Outdoor Spaces Webinar | mainstreet.org (click image for link)
Finally, see more on this topic on the GOPC blog… #GOPCThread
There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather | greaterohio.org (click image for link)
Balancing the need to socially distance and support local businesses doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive. A key piece to keeping our communities vibrant is to find ways to stay safe and have some fun outside this winter #GOPCThread
As COVID-19 cases rise statewide, it’s obvious that it is unsafe for people to gather in tight or poorly ventilated indoor spaces. Public health and safety should remain the top priority as cities plan and encourage socially distanced outdoor programming #GOPCThread
