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Principal Shopping District board moves to draft resolution on sidewalk displays, seating and signage
Summary
The Newaygo Principal Shopping District board discussed proposed rules allowing organized retail displays and limited seating while requiring a minimum four-foot ADA-accessible passage and asked the City Manager to draft a resolution for Council consideration.
The Principal Shopping District (PSD) board in Newaygo discussed a proposed set of rules for sidewalk displays, seating, sidewalk sales and sidewalk signage and asked City Manager Jon Schneider to prepare a draft resolution for the next City Council meeting.
Board member Fedell led the discussion of language included in the packet and, describing the board's concerns, said the proposals would allow retail display items to remain on sidewalks in front of stores "as long as the items are removed at the close of business each day." The board clarified that displays "should be organized and not overly cluttered, dilapidated, or damaged," and agreed businesses must "maintain a minimum four (4) foot wide unrestricted and handicap accessible passageway on the sidewalk and store entrance area." These details were recorded as part of the board discussion.
City Manager Jon Schneider recommended that the PSD rules avoid specifying exact sign dimensions and instead require sidewalk signs to conform to the City Sign Ordinance once that ordinance is amended. The board reached consensus for Schneider to revise the packet language and draft a formal Resolution covering sidewalk displays, seating, sidewalk sales and sidewalk signage to present to the council.
Why it matters: the proposed rules balance small-business visibility with pedestrian access and ADA compliance. If the city council adopts a resolution based on the draft, downtown storefronts may be able to use displays and small seating while the city retains a mechanism to enforce accessibility and sign standards.
Next steps: Schneider will draft the Resolution based on the changes discussed and place it on the next City Council agenda for review.
