Milwaukee's 'Active Streets for Business' program extended through winter months
MILWAUKEE (CBS 580 -- The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works (DPW) announced Friday, Nov. 12, plans to extend the program that permits restaurants and bars to utilize sidewalks, parking lanes, and travel lanes for expanded seating accommodations.
The "Active Streets for Business" program had been scheduled to end Nov. 15, with a planned extension through March 15, 2022.
Active Streets for Business is a no-fee, city-wide program done in partnership with the business community while following the Milwaukee Health Department’s COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Since the program’s launch in launched June 17, 2020, the program has proven popular with 34 permit holders last summer and 10 during the first winter the program was in place.
Current participants in the Active Streets for Business program will need to adhere to the winter guidelines and should email their DPW permits contact for an extension. The full guidelines can be found HERE.
The program’s winter guidelines include allowances for tenting and heating.
- Temporary outdoor structures (tenting)
- Must have 50% total wall space open to allow air flow
- Must be fire resistant
- Must be weighted, anchored or secured without damaging the public way
- Heating Devices
- Electrical devices must be installed/approved by a licensed electrical contractor
- Heating devices (gas or electric) must be away from combustible materials
- Cords or materials should not create tripping hazards or violate ADA guidelines
- Snow and Ice Control
- Businesses will need inclement weather plans submitted for snow and ice removal
- Businesses are responsible for clearing near their outdoor space(s)
- Businesses on closed streets are responsible for clearing behind those barricades