Ballard Ave NW could become a cafe street when King County begins to reopen restaurants.
Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss is behind the proposal, telling The Stranger that the idea came about when businesses along Ballard Ave reached out asking if it was a viable option. He said he’s been working with city departments to develop a pilot program that could be rolled out as King County enters Phase 2 of its four-phase reopening plan.
Here’s what he told The Stranger:
“We need to be ready to use our public space and public right-of-ways in a way that promotes our small businesses, protects public health, and increases the ability for pedestrians to use our public right-of-ways. And cafe streets are absolutely one of these options.”
There are still plenty of details that need to be considered: keeping a fire lane open, designating appropriate space for each restaurant, maintaining sidewalk access, and having about a half dozen city departments signing off on the plan, including the mayor’s office.
My Ballard has reached out to Dan Strauss for comment, and will update when we hear more details.
Rights-of-way, Dan. RIGHTS-of-WAY!!! Other than this I greet the news with a whoop and a holler. Great plan.