City of Davis offers new info on G Street

Website update spurred by feedback from businesses and the public

Based on input from the community, the city of Davis updated its website today, offering additional information about the G Street improvement project, which will begin construction later this month. It offers a place where affected businesses can provide feedback and ask questions about the use of the space in front of their property.

All furniture and outdoor eating areas will be shut down during construction, but “there is ample time and opportunity to provide input before, during or after the construction of the platforms,” it said, noting that decisions are not final on how everything will play out. Construction is expected to be complete in late fall or early winter.

Community reaction was strong to my column on Thursday that the city was leaning toward creating an entertainment zone for event rentals, instead of a business model for open-air dining. This was because only one business responded to a city letter asking if they wanted to lease the platforms being built on the pedestrian-only street. Multiple business owners said they never saw the letter.

There’s also a new Frequently Asked Questions section on the page, addressing common inquiries. The city also plans a new survey of G Street Businesses. Businesses or members of the public that want to contact city staff about the matter may email GStreetActivation@cityofdavis.org.

Two of the FAQs are pasted below:

Will alcohol be allowed on the platforms after construction is done?

That is the goal. Based on what we know now, it will only be permitted upon execution of the rental agreement, and satisfying all the requirements and provisions therein will the business be permitted to sell and serve alcohol in the public realm. The City is working with State ABC (California department of Alcoholic Beverage Control) and is also tracking Senate Bill 969 which may provide the City and the businesses with an alternative means to permit alcohol sales and consumption in the public realm.   

Will businesses be allowed to use the sidewalks for outdoor dining and alcohol service after construction is done?

To be determined. There are various legal and liability issues that City staff and the City Attorney are researching. There are also policy considerations such as those that are discussed in the Downtown Specific Plan. Staff will post updates to the website and the FAQs as information becomes available. SB 969, noted above, if passed by the State and signed by the Governor, may provide an additional avenue as compared to current ABC regulations of all outdoor alcohol service needing to be in an enclosed/fenced seating area.

– Share your thoughts in the comments below. If you know of a business coming or going in the area – or if you see a typo above – email wendy@comingsandgoings.news. If you’re on Facebook and Instagram, please follow along.