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Vista Avenue streetscape nears completion; commission debates dining fencing and parking
Summary
City staff reported major progress on the Vista Avenue streetscape — sidewalks, curbs and light-pole bases are installed and plantings are forthcoming — while members debated whether sidewalk dining fencing should be standardized and where to add motorcycle and golf-cart parking.
City staff reported that much of the Vista Avenue streetscape work is finished and the project is tracking on schedule, while commission members raised questions about sidewalk dining fencing standards and parking for motorcycles and golf carts.
The update noted the Washington Road intersection and east-side sidewalks are complete, curbs were placed in the 100 and 200 blocks, planter curbs are being formed and roadway base work is under way so crews can place asphalt in driving and parking lanes. Staff said light poles have been shipped, bases are installed and crews will begin electrical hookup once poles arrive. Site furniture (large cut limestone blocks) and event electrical boxes are still pending.
“All of the bases are in, so it’ll be installing those light poles,” a staff member reported, adding that trees and plantings will be installed in the next few weeks. The staff member said staff are considering a ribbon-cutting event but have not yet set a date.
Members asked whether the project design includes designated motorcycle parking. A staff member said striped motorcycle spaces are not in the current plans but that a parking study showed underused motorcycle spaces near the courthouse and higher use near Water Street; staff will study possible locations and whether a golf-cart-sized parking space could be used for two motorcycles.
Commissioners also discussed whether fencing for outside alcohol service should be standardized across downtown. The staff member said fencing is not required by the city but must go through review because the area is in a historic district. “We do require it go through review process because it’s in the historic district,” the staff member said, adding that fencing must use appropriate materials per the city’s historic preservation design guidelines. The staff member also said his understanding of Ohio liquor law is that alcoholic drinks in glassware served outside need to be within a bounded area such as fencing, while single-use cups can be served without a fence.
Some members urged more uniformity. “Standardizing it might make it look much nicer for the downtown area rather than having a hodgepodge of different fencing,” one commissioner said. Others cautioned against mandating fencing for all businesses and suggested applying design standards for durability and pedestrian clearances.
Separately, members raised questions about some new lounge-style benches that a few worried could encourage sleeping in public; staff said the benches are intended as lounge seating and that the city has maintenance instructions from the manufacturer and would address problems if they arise.
Next steps: staff will study motorcycle and potential golf-cart parking layouts, continue installation and plantings, and route any permanent fencing or site-furniture proposals through the city’s Landmarks Commission for design review.
