Business Plans And The Cold In Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE,WI— Plans are in the works to allow local businesses to continue outdoor operations even as the temperature drops.

On Tuesday, June 16th the Common Council passed file #200198 establishing the Active Streets
for Business program which provided expanded outdoor seating options at restaurants and bars in
Milwaukee.

With the program set to expire on November 15, Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic (lead
sponsor of the legislation creating Active Streets for Business) has introduced an amendment that would extend the program and create new rules for the cold weather season. The new fall and winter guidelines will be discussed during the upcoming meeting of the Public Works Committee at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, October 21.

“Active Streets for Business was a way to support the food service industry, ensure patrons
remain safe while dining at their favorite establishments, and an opportunity to create public gathering spaces for neighborhoods to come together during these difficult times,” said Alderwoman Dimitrijevic. “The program thus far has proven to be a success, and I want to allow bars and restaurants to maintain this momentum so they can have every chance possible to succeed during this pandemic.”

Since its creation the program has been utilized by 42 businesses spanning eight Aldermanic
districts. The amended Active Streets for Business guidelines include regulations for utilizing outdoor structures (such as tents) and heating devices in the public right of way to sustain outdoor dining capacity in the fall and winter months provided they meet all health and safety guidelines. The amendment would also keep the program active until March 15, 2021.

The Public Works Committee meeting on October 21st will be televised live on the City Channel
(channel 25 on Spectrum Cable and channel 99 on AT&T U-Verse in the City of Milwaukee) and via
streaming video on the city website at city.milwaukee.gov/Channel25