Sunday, June 11, 2023–5:47 p.m.
-David Crowder, WRGA News-
The Rome Downtown Development Authority has given its approval to a sidewalk permit application process and a draft ordinance to go with it. The DDA approved a sidewalk application process last year but some issues that have arisen have been unenforceable because there was not an ordinance update.
The action taken by the DDA board hopes to remedy that.
“The ordinance has been on the books since 2007 and I don’t think it has been amended since then,” said DDA Director Aundi Lesley. “So, we just wanted to allow for a little more flexibility. We think some of the things the businesses do like having merchandise on the sidewalk or an A-frame sandwich board-type sign add to the charm and the character of downtown. We just wanted to allow more of those things and be specific as to what is and isn’t appropriate.”
The original sidewalk application process was originally adopted to include the entire Business Improvement District. That has been changed to include only the central business corridor, which is Broad Street, not the River District.
“I think that allows for more flexibility in the River District, “ Lesley said. “Which is what we wanted.”
The main change in the draft ordinance is that it would not apply just to eating establishments like restraints and cafes. Essentially, any business could apply to have tables and chairs, apron signs, and a couple of planters on the sidewalk in front of their establishments. However, there are standards for the planters, dealing with size and location.
The draft ordinance will be forwarded to the full Rome City Commission for a public hearing and a vote.