The noise ordinance will be introduced this coming Monday, May 3 at City Council. This is a first read so the public hearing and vote should be two weeks later on May 17.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Sandwich Boards
The city recently received a complaint from an individual in a wheelchair who was unable to maneuver around the sandwich boards placed on the sidewalk. Obviously, we want The District to be welcoming to all customers.
Just a reminder that the city does allow sandwich boards--thanks to a lot of lobbying on the part of the SBD--but requires that 5 feet of unobstructed space be left. That means sandwich boards must be placed directly adjacent to your store or restaurant NOT in the middle of the sidewalk.
The city would like to resolve this informally, without citing anyone, and we tend to agree.
Thanks for helping us keep downtown open to all!
Just a reminder that the city does allow sandwich boards--thanks to a lot of lobbying on the part of the SBD--but requires that 5 feet of unobstructed space be left. That means sandwich boards must be placed directly adjacent to your store or restaurant NOT in the middle of the sidewalk.
The city would like to resolve this informally, without citing anyone, and we tend to agree.
Thanks for helping us keep downtown open to all!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Noise Ordinance Postponed
Council will hold a public hearing on the SBD's recommendations for the noise ordinance on Monday, May at 7 pm. Anyone interested in commenting should attend this meeting.
The city is currently writing a new ordinance based on these recommendations so we'll get everyone a link to the ordinance once it's up online.
The city is currently writing a new ordinance based on these recommendations so we'll get everyone a link to the ordinance once it's up online.
New District YouTube Series
We're introducing a new series on YouTube featuring a romantically-challenged young man looking for love in The District. After he bets his roommate a month’s rent that he can find a date in 24 hours, a friend agrees to tag along and document the experience on film.
Produced by and starring Daniel Shar, the series takes the viewer through District shops and restaurants on the quest to meet the perfect girl. For an added touch of verisimilitude, Shar was actually up for 24 hours straight (although his film crew gave out around 3 am).
The first episode will be posted on The District’s YouTube site (www.youtube.com/discoverthedistrict) on Monday, April 19. New episodes will be posted on a regular basis so viewers can follow his exploits.
Daniel Shar is currently a student at the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism and has previously worked for the Columbia Missourian. He also spent a semester in Chicago as a student in the Comedy Studies program run by The Second City. Most notably, he’s produced and starred in several YouTube videos that have gone viral, garnering over 25,000 hits.
Produced by and starring Daniel Shar, the series takes the viewer through District shops and restaurants on the quest to meet the perfect girl. For an added touch of verisimilitude, Shar was actually up for 24 hours straight (although his film crew gave out around 3 am).
The first episode will be posted on The District’s YouTube site (www.youtube.com/discoverthedistrict) on Monday, April 19. New episodes will be posted on a regular basis so viewers can follow his exploits.
Daniel Shar is currently a student at the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism and has previously worked for the Columbia Missourian. He also spent a semester in Chicago as a student in the Comedy Studies program run by The Second City. Most notably, he’s produced and starred in several YouTube videos that have gone viral, garnering over 25,000 hits.
Friday, April 16, 2010
What is a Hospitality Zone?
We’re seeing a new shift in downtown policing, particularly when it comes to late-night activities. In many downtowns, particularly those in college towns, police officers often feel under siege with the sheer amount of late-night patrons, underage drinking, disturbances and fights. And the next morning city services are as overloaded as a host trying to clean up after a wild party. Keeping people safe and cleaning up the mess—surely there must be a better way.
Now we’re beginning to see a new paradigm emerge, one that focuses on customer service and increased sales, not just public safety. The concept of Hospitality Zones, coined by the Responsible Hospitality Institute (RHI), is a well-tested and well-supported approach that downtowns are using to create and maintain a Sociable City.
According to RHI, a Sociable City “invests in the safety and vibrancy of the nighttime economy by nurturing hospitality zones where people of diverse ages, incomes and lifestyles unite as a community to share food, beverages, music and dance in public venues.”
The focus of a hospitality zone is just what it says: being a good host to your late-night customers by proving for their well being, ensuring that they feel comfortable and safe, and even making sure they can find a drink in the evening and a ride home later that night. By doing so, you automatically cut down on all the problems associated with night life such as driving under the influence, fighting and the like.
This is a cooperative approach where businesses, the police and the community work together to improve the nighttime economy. A well‐planned and well‐managed hospitality zone can reduce crime, increase businesses and attract new residents and new entrepreneurs.
RHI lists the core elements of a Hospitality Zone, including:
1. Music and Entertainment
Nurturing talent and expanding venues to provide multi-generational entertainment.
2. Community Policing
Gaining regulatory compliance through on-going communication, collaboration and education.
3. Service, Security and Safety
Creating internal policies and procedures so businesses can provide quality products and services in safe environments.
4. Multi-use Sidewalks
Managing the sidewalks as a venue, by using vendors, entertainers, outdoor seating and kiosks to create activity and vibrancy.
5. Late-night Integrated Transportation Systems
Assuring coordinated and appropriate public transportation to match nighttime demand.
6. Quality of Life
Managing the impacts of noise, trash, traffic, pedestrians and disorder through zoning, use codes, allocation of services and public outreach and education.
Notice that it’s not only about checking ids and breaking up fights. It’s about expanding offerings, increasing services and welcoming customers into downtown.
Now we’re beginning to see a new paradigm emerge, one that focuses on customer service and increased sales, not just public safety. The concept of Hospitality Zones, coined by the Responsible Hospitality Institute (RHI), is a well-tested and well-supported approach that downtowns are using to create and maintain a Sociable City.
According to RHI, a Sociable City “invests in the safety and vibrancy of the nighttime economy by nurturing hospitality zones where people of diverse ages, incomes and lifestyles unite as a community to share food, beverages, music and dance in public venues.”
The focus of a hospitality zone is just what it says: being a good host to your late-night customers by proving for their well being, ensuring that they feel comfortable and safe, and even making sure they can find a drink in the evening and a ride home later that night. By doing so, you automatically cut down on all the problems associated with night life such as driving under the influence, fighting and the like.
This is a cooperative approach where businesses, the police and the community work together to improve the nighttime economy. A well‐planned and well‐managed hospitality zone can reduce crime, increase businesses and attract new residents and new entrepreneurs.
RHI lists the core elements of a Hospitality Zone, including:
1. Music and Entertainment
Nurturing talent and expanding venues to provide multi-generational entertainment.
2. Community Policing
Gaining regulatory compliance through on-going communication, collaboration and education.
3. Service, Security and Safety
Creating internal policies and procedures so businesses can provide quality products and services in safe environments.
4. Multi-use Sidewalks
Managing the sidewalks as a venue, by using vendors, entertainers, outdoor seating and kiosks to create activity and vibrancy.
5. Late-night Integrated Transportation Systems
Assuring coordinated and appropriate public transportation to match nighttime demand.
6. Quality of Life
Managing the impacts of noise, trash, traffic, pedestrians and disorder through zoning, use codes, allocation of services and public outreach and education.
Notice that it’s not only about checking ids and breaking up fights. It’s about expanding offerings, increasing services and welcoming customers into downtown.
Noise Ordinance to Council Monday
Council will read and vote on the SBD's recommendations for the noise ordinance this coming Monday, April 19 at 7 pm. Anyone interested in commenting should attend this meeting.
http://gocolumbiamo.granicus.com/AgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=2
http://gocolumbiamo.granicus.com/AgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=2
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Emergency repairs at Seventh and Locust
The city of Columbia Public Works Department is working on emergency repairs at the intersection of Seventh and Locust Street today as the result of failed storm water drains. This work has resulted in temporary lane restrictions at the intersection of Seventh and Locust. Work should be completed, weather permitting, by Monday, April 19. Motorists and pedestrians are urged to use an alternate route to avoid the work zone.
Contact Public Works at 874-7250 for more information.
Contact Public Works at 874-7250 for more information.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Small Business Workshops
The Missouri Small Business & Technology Development Centers (SBTDC) are part of a statewide network of business experts uniquely qualified to help businesses develop and thrive--and we're lucky enough to have them right down the street at MU.
The SBTDC is hosting a series of workshops for small businesses on the following dates:
April 15, 6:00 PM
Understanding Financial Statements
April 22, 6:00 PM
How to Control Cash Flow
April 29, 6:00 PM
Predicting Future Cash Needs
May 7, 9:00 AM
Quickbooks for Beginners
Interested in one-on-one help for your business? Need a financial analysis? Want to update your marketing plan?
If so, contact small business specialist Virginia Wilson at the SBTDC for information about workshops or one-one-one assistance. Many of these services are offered free of charge.
The SBTDC is hosting a series of workshops for small businesses on the following dates:
April 15, 6:00 PM
Understanding Financial Statements
April 22, 6:00 PM
How to Control Cash Flow
April 29, 6:00 PM
Predicting Future Cash Needs
May 7, 9:00 AM
Quickbooks for Beginners
Interested in one-on-one help for your business? Need a financial analysis? Want to update your marketing plan?
If so, contact small business specialist Virginia Wilson at the SBTDC for information about workshops or one-one-one assistance. Many of these services are offered free of charge.
SBD Agenda
AGENDA
Columbia Special Business District
Board of Directors Meeting
April 13, 2010 at 4:00 p.m.
11 South 10th Street
Call to Order
Welcome Guests
Mike McClung
Comments from Mike Clung
Regarding the removal of the dumpsters from the Panera Alley
Approval of the March Minutes
Financial Report
Police Report
Committee Reports
Noise Committee Report
Old Business
Security Camera Update - Gartner
New Business
Construction Ordinance - Ott/Gartner
Taxi Stand Report - Gartner
Director’s Report
City Report
Adjournment
Columbia Special Business District
Board of Directors Meeting
April 13, 2010 at 4:00 p.m.
11 South 10th Street
Call to Order
Welcome Guests
Mike McClung
Comments from Mike Clung
Regarding the removal of the dumpsters from the Panera Alley
Approval of the March Minutes
Financial Report
Police Report
Committee Reports
Noise Committee Report
Old Business
Security Camera Update - Gartner
New Business
Construction Ordinance - Ott/Gartner
Taxi Stand Report - Gartner
Director’s Report
City Report
Adjournment
Noise Committee - Preliminary Recommendations
After a substantial amount of public comment and discussion among committee members, the committee agreed on the following preliminary recommendations. These recommendations will be discussed at the SBD Board meeting on Tuesday, April 12.
1) Set a definition of unacceptable noise that is “plainly audible or that unreasonably disturbs the peace.”
2) Live or amplified music is allowed outside:
Sunday – Wednesday until 10 pm.
Thursday – Saturday until 11 pm.
3) Noise that is plainly audible or that unreasonably disturbs the peace beyond the following distances is considered in violation.
Sunday – Wednesday:
7 am – 10 pm = 300 ft.
10 pm – 1:30 am = 150 ft.
1:30 am – 7 am – 50 ft.
Thursday – Saturday:
7 am – 11 pm = 300 ft.
11 pm – 1:30 am = 150 ft.
1:30 am – 7 am – 50 ft.
4) Car radios, boom boxes, car engines, and other non-commercial, unwanted noises are considered in violation in the following instances:
7 am – 10 pm = greater than 50 ft.
10 pm – 7 am = prohibited
5) Complaints can be made by any downtown occupant including residents, business owners and property owners.
6) Police can be pro-active, enforcing the ordinance without a complaint.
7) Emphasize to the police that for noise such as yelling or shouting, made by an individual on public property, the individual should be cited, not a nearby business.
8) Recommend noise/event permits for special occasions such as home football games, outdoor festivals, etc. These permits would allow a business or group to apply to the city’s special events committee for a temporary change to the noise ordinance.
9) Sunset the law after 15 months to allow for an evaluation of its effectiveness.
10) Encourage mediation and negotiation between various parties as well as between these parties and the police. The goal should be fixing the problem rather than simply issuing a ticket.
11) Support other ways to reduce noise including the strategic placement of taxi stands and an increase in public and private transportation. This will disperse noisy crowds faster.
Monday, April 5, 2010
SBD Meeting
The next SBD Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 13 at 4 pm.
The postcard has the incorrect time.
The postcard has the incorrect time.
Meeting re: Broadway sidewalks from 8th to 9th
Meeting re: proposed sidewalks will be held Wednesday
The Public Works Department announces an informal open house concerning future sidewalk projects:
1) Broadway, from Eighth Street to Ninth Street, south side only;
2) and Business Loop 70, from Jackson Street to Jefferson Street, south side only.
The meeting will be held Wednesday, April 7, from 5:30-7 p.m. in City Hall conference room 1B, 701 E. Broadway. The purpose is to discuss the scope, design and scheduling for the improvement projects listed above. Information, maps and diagrams for these projects will be available for public review. City staff will be present to answer questions and receive comments. Questions about the meeting should be directed to the Public Works Department at (573) 874-7250.
The Public Works Department announces an informal open house concerning future sidewalk projects:
1) Broadway, from Eighth Street to Ninth Street, south side only;
2) and Business Loop 70, from Jackson Street to Jefferson Street, south side only.
The meeting will be held Wednesday, April 7, from 5:30-7 p.m. in City Hall conference room 1B, 701 E. Broadway. The purpose is to discuss the scope, design and scheduling for the improvement projects listed above. Information, maps and diagrams for these projects will be available for public review. City staff will be present to answer questions and receive comments. Questions about the meeting should be directed to the Public Works Department at (573) 874-7250.
Noise Committee Agenda
AGENDA
SBD Noise Committee
Tuesday, April 6, 2010 2:00 pm
11 S. Tenth St.
Call to Order
Discussion among Committee Members
Public comment
SBD Noise Committee
Tuesday, April 6, 2010 2:00 pm
11 S. Tenth St.
Call to Order
Discussion among Committee Members
Public comment
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