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Finance committee approves seasonal Plaza Park closure, with one lane remaining open
Summary
The committee passed a resolution to seasonally close streets around Plaza Park (Memorial Day–Oct. 31 or later), permanently close certain adjacent avenues and require planning for ADA access; after amendments the committee advanced the resolution as amended but retained one lane on San Francisco Street to preserve emergency access.
The Finance Committee approved a resolution to amend existing Plaza Park closure rules and to move the item to the governing body with amendments. Sponsors framed the measure as an effort to create more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly public space and to support increased downtown events, while staff emphasized safety and emergency-access requirements.
Public safety staff, led by Chief Oudekirk, told the committee the International Fire Code requires apparatus access, proximity to hydrants and space for ladder stabilization. "Minutes matter in those situations," Chief Oudekirk said, stressing that emergency access and ambulance width must be considered when designing closures or barriers.
Sponsor Councilor Alma Castro said the policy is intended to preserve seasonal closures for peak event months and to create a livelier, family-friendly downtown. The committee approved Amendment A, which delays the effective start to Memorial Day 2027, requires at least six Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) parking spaces, and directs the city manager to coordinate planning with advisory groups. The committee then considered a substitute (Amendment B) to keep one lane of San Francisco Street open year-round; after debate about crowd management and emergency routes the body approved the amended resolution that leaves one lane open while preserving the other amendment changes.
The chief and public-works staff said major events (for example, Spanish Market) continue to be staffed and inspected for fire and medical coverage; they reiterated hydrant locations and that most calls on the plaza in the last year were medical emergencies rather than vehicle crashes. With the amendments in place, the committee voted the measure forward to the governing body.
