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the street during non-dining times; this programming along with the once monthly <br /> frequency was seen as particularly beneficial for the downtown retail establishments. <br /> The advisory group's consideration was augmented by information and feedback <br /> sessions specifically for downtown retailers and downtown restaurants. As noted during <br /> previous discussions about the Weekend on Main closures, most of the downtown <br /> retailers shared that they are negatively impacted by the closures. While each retailer <br /> has a perspective unique to their business, collectively the retailers understand the <br /> popularity of Weekend on Main and are supportive of holding them once a month with <br /> programming that will activate the street space. The retailers did express that they are <br /> not supportive of weekend street closures during the holiday season, specifically <br /> November and December, so their customers have access to their shops with no <br /> deterrents. <br /> The restaurant owners that participated in past Weekend on Main closures have shared <br /> the importance of the street closures in helping them to remain financially solvent <br /> following the extended hardship caused by pandemic restrictions. The restaurateurs <br /> would advocate to hold the Weekend on Main events more frequently than once per <br /> month as they find direct and significant financial benefit from the closures. From their <br /> perspective, an appropriate balance would be twice per month street closures. <br /> Additionally, the restaurateurs expressed interest in extending the Sunday closure time <br /> to 9:00 pm (from the initial 8:00 pm, to allow for a last 7:00/7:30 pm dinner seating) and <br /> extending the series into November and December — regardless of the frequency of the <br /> closures — as this allows them to make the most of the holiday season for their <br /> establishments. Both groups support the continued event footprint from the Main Street <br /> Bridge to south of Old Bernal Avenue as in 2020 and 2021 so that all interested <br /> merchants have an opportunity to participate. <br /> City and PDA staff did not specifically conduct broad community outreach as the <br /> feedback from residents and visitors during past years' events — and in anticipation of <br /> this year's closures — has been largely positive in noting the vibrancy, atmosphere and <br /> shared community experience offered by the downtown closures. There have been <br /> residents who have voiced concern about access to downtown establishments and <br /> parking, although in far less volume than support for Weekend on Main. <br /> PDA Recommendation <br /> Based on all the input received, the PDA Board of Directors is recommending for 2022 <br /> the Weekend on Main street closures be scheduled for the first weekend (Friday late <br /> afternoon through Sunday evening) of each month from May through December as part <br /> of PDA's annual downtown events schedule. To bring additional benefit to downtown <br /> merchants and the community, each of the weekend closures would offer <br /> activity/programming during the day on Saturday. The PDA is committed to collaborating <br /> with the downtown restaurants and retailers to implement cross-promotion marketing that <br /> helps to support fellow business while also reinforcing a shop local ethic. The PDA noted <br /> it would work closely with the City to ensure that any activities planned for the December <br /> Weekend on Main support — and don't interfere with — the holiday parade and tree <br /> lighting. <br /> Page 3 of 6 <br />