The city has three options on the Roanoke Avenue sidewalk merchandise display issue, council learned at its work session tonight.
It appears, however, there are differing views among council members on which is the best option.
The three options are:
1. Merchandise can be displayed on the sidewalk seven days a week except electronics, mattresses, upholstered furniture and appliances.
Under this proposal the items could only be displayed during operating hours and can only extend no further than 3 feet from the building onto the sidewalk with a clearance of at least 4 feet maintained. The items could only be displayed along the length of the frontage.
2. Displays on Saturday and Sunday only with the same wording as the first proposal on what can’t be displayed with the same required distances and clearances as in the first option.
This proposal requires that goods could only be displayed along the street or sidewalk within one-third the length of the building frontage.
3. Leave the ordinance as it is.
A memo to council from Planning and Development Director Amanda Jarratt notes sidewalk cafes can be added to the proposals, however, since Roanoke Avenue is a state highway, an encroachment agreement with the state Department of Transportation would be required. “That doesn’t seem like it’s impossible,” Jarratt told council.
Planning staff does recommend council keep the requirement on loading and unloading goods in the alley if a business has access.
Main Street Director Charles Williams said the Roanoke Avenue Business Alliance recommends the first proposal. He said, however, “Anything council could give would be a blessing. Whatever offer, the merchants would be most appreciative of.”
The only thing the proposals don’t address, Williams said, is an education piece which would give merchants the opportunity to do attractive displays.
Councilman Greg Lawson asked about allowing more merchandise during festivals, to which Williams responded that decision would be up to council but many merchants would like to display more goods during those times.
“If you have better displays it only enhances what you’re trying to accomplish,” Councilman Ed Liverman told Williams.
Mayor Emery Doughtie said the city has had issues with furniture on the sidewalk over the years. “Some of these things can really detract. I think you can get the message across this is some of the things we have inside. For the most part, people enjoy shopping in a place that has some structure. That gives you guidance on what they (planning) can enforce.”
Councilman Ernest Bobbitt said, however, the people who have talked to him about the issue want to keep merchandise off the street. Many, he said, have windows which can adequately display merchandise. “I don’t think it benefits the shoppers to have every business to have their stuff on the sidewalk.”
Council member Suetta Scarbrough said her preference is the second option, “Because I don’t want merchandise on the sidewalk every day.”
Said Bobbitt, “Same here, same reasons.”
Lawson said he is leaning to the first option, “To be more accommodating to business. Everybody is struggling. I think it would be appropriate with the limitations set here.”
Meanwhile, Councilman Carl Ferebee said he likes some of the first and some of the second option. “Everybody is struggling. They need some displays. Having it out seven days a week would not be something I’d like to see.”
Council took no action on the matter and will study it further.
