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Main Street Moves
Overview
In May of 2020, city staff, in partnership with the Downtown Ventura Partners, presented a proposal to City Council to allow for a temporary, 30-day closure of five blocks of historic downtown Main Street to vehicular traffic to allow for outdoor dining and shopping in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pilot project was a resounding success and provided a financial lifeline to many Ventura businesses.
Through a series of Council actions, Main Street Moves has been extended to July 2024. During this two-year period, various studies will be completed to determine the feasibility of a permanent, 24/7 street closure (Pedestrian Mall). Periodic updates to the community and Council will be forthcoming as studies are completed.
Main Street Moves Timeline
June 26, 2023 - City Council waives a second reading and adopts the Ordinance of the City Council of the City of San Buenaventura, amending Chapter 16.350 of the Municipal Code to provide regulations prohibiting the use of bicycles, electric bicycles, and other vehicles within Main Street Moves, and adding limitations on the use of any such vehicle on public rights-of-way and within shopping centers. Staff Report (PDF)
April 11, 2022 - Approve a Temporary Business Expansion Special Use Permit through June 30, 2024, while design guidelines and studies are developed. Staff Report (PDF)
August 1, 2022 - Authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to modify the Main Street Moves Temporary Business Expansion Special Use Permit indemnity language to shift potential liability for the City's negligence and wrongful misconduct to the City. Staff Report (PDF)
December 19, 2022 - Authorize the Acting Community Development Director or designee to issue a Work Order under Professional Services Agreement No. 2019-014 with Rincon Consultants, Inc. to prepare environmental documentation in compliance with CEQA for Main Street Moves. Staff Report (PDF)
February 8, 2021 - Council authorized the extension of the Main Street Moves Permit to August 31, 2021 or by the conclusion of the Emergency Health Order, whichever comes first. Council authorized extension of Main Street Moves to January 7, 2022. Staff Report (PDF)
June 28, 2021 - City Council approved Agreement with Sargent Town Planning, for providing conceptual urban planning and design services for inserting outdoor dining uses within public spaces along building and street frontages. Staff Report (PDF)
September 21, 2021 - The City, in partnership with Downtown Ventura Partners, released the Future of Main Survey to engage the community and businesses about the future of Main Street in Downtown Ventura. The survey was open for 30-days and received over 11,250 responses, overwhelmingly in support of the continuation of an outdoor dining program. Survey Results (PDF)
October 18, 2021 - Receive a summary of the Main Street Moves survey results and provide feedback for staff. Staff Report (PDF) and Presentation (PDF)
November 8, 2021 - As part of the permanent Main Street Moves program, direct staff to implement the permanent full closure of Main Street from Fir Street to the western boundary of the San Buenaventura Mission, retaining the existing curb and gutter configuration (see staff report for complete recommendation). Staff Report (PDF)
December 13, 2021 - Staff recommends the continuance of the current Temporary Outdoor Business Expansion Program, which was created in response to the COVID emergency, through July 1, 2022. This extension will provide needed time for City staff to prepare a new special event permit that addresses parking and traffic concerns. Staff Report (PDF)
May 18, 2020 - City Council provided feedback and approved the concept of a 30-day pilot program allowing businesses to reopen with outdoor expanded areas to assist with the COVID-19 safety protocol compliance. Staff Report (PDF)
June 15, 2020 - City Council adopted a Resolution temporarily waiving special event permit fees and reducing insurance requirements for the expanded temporary retail/restaurant operations on public property permit. Staff Report (PDF)
July 13, 2020 - City Council authorized the extension of the Temporary Outdoor Business Expansion through September 14, 2020 or by the conclusion of the Emergency Health Order, whichever concludes first. Staff Report (PDF)
September 8, 2020 - Council authorized the extension of the Temporary Outdoor Business Expansion Program through February 15, 2021 or by the conclusion of the Emergency Health Order, whichever comes first. Staff Report (PDF)