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Council approves pilot funding for two downtown parklets as part of sidewalk‑dining efforts
Summary
Council approved two parklets (Della Viti and Sam's Place) as temporary sidewalk café extensions and authorized a $10,000 pilot split to offset materials and lost meter revenue; parklet seasonal use will follow the city's sidewalk‑dining ordinance.
The City Council of the City of Ames voted May 26 to approve two downtown parklets — at Della Viti and Sam's Place — as part of a pilot to expand outdoor dining and activate public space.
City staff described parklets as temporary structures that occupy the space of two metered parking stalls, function as sidewalk extensions and are regulated by the city's sidewalk‑dining ordinance. The season for outdoor dining and parklet use is April 1 through October 31; parklets are designed for multi‑season use but are removed and stored at the conclusion of each season.
Staff requested $10,000 in pilot funding to be split between the two parklets to offset materials costs. Staff reviewed design considerations including structural safety, setback from moving traffic, and stormwater grading to ensure runoff is not impeded.
Dylan Klein, representing the Ames Alliance and volunteers involved in the parklet effort, thanked the council and noted material donations (ABC Supply), construction support from Iowa Home Crafters and volunteers, and pro bono design work by Tenfold Architecture.
Council approved the funding and parklet proposals by roll call.
Outcome: Council approved items 9 and 10, authorizing the pilot funding and adherence to sidewalk-dining regulations; staff will track compliance and seasonality.
