Utah city weighs street closure to help struggling industry

Though it’s far from done, Ogden City officials are kicking tires on an idea that would involve closing off Historic 25th Street to vehicular traffic.As restaurant and bar industry continue to be hard hit by ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with many Ogden area establishments still closed to dine-in service, Ogden Mayor Mike Caldwell says city is open to any and all ideas that might help local eateries and taverns.

One idea that appears to be gaining some traction in city circles is temporarily prohibiting cars on 25th Street between Grant and Wall avenues, and n allowing businesses on street to expand ir seating and use extra to spre customers out.Scott Rogers, an English professor at Weber State University and an active Ogden-area musician, is among those supporting idea. Rogers discussed idea on his Facebook p and sent a letter on topic to Ogden City Council.

“Operating under assumption that ... Utah keeps reporting 500-plus new cases of COVID-19 infections per day, state will be forced to shut down bars and restaurants again,” Rogers said in his letter to council. “As a working musician, shutdown was devastating.”

Rogers worries about what a pattern of continued openings and closings would do to restaurants, bars and performers in Ogden. He said limiting 25th Street to pedestrian traffic only is a proactive way for restaurants and bars to remain open and could potentially serve as an impetus for city to reimagine how popular commercial corridor functions.

Kim Bowsher, executive director of Ogden Downtown Alliance, said her organization doesn’t have a position for or against concept but ted that lift it would require of restaurants is heavy. She said it would involve working t only with city, but also with Weber-Morgan Health Department and Utah Department of Alcoholic Bever Control.“It’s a substantial investment just to get s built out to function this way,” Bowsher said. “It’s t just a matter of putting up ro closed signs and ding tables outside.”

Bowsher said in brief discussions that have taken place so far, timing is also a concern. She said it’s obviously paramount to have things rey before cold season hits, but on or hand, some business owners have suggested that it’s w too hot to ask people to dine out on asphalt. Impacting curbside food service is also a concern, Bowsher said, as well as “being thoughtful of supporting retail in whatever decision is me.”

Longtime restaurateurs Kym and Pete Buttschardt have run 25th Street staple Roosters Brewing Co. since 1995. Kym Buttschardt said right w, she doesn’t have strong feelings one way or or on proposal. She said she’s ticed that many 25th Street restaurants are alrey seeing fewer customers than rmal, so distancing doesn’t seem to pose much of a problem, and she also wondered how enthusiastic people would be to eat on pavement during summer heat.

“We have large outdoor dining areas alrey, so it doesn’t really impact us way it might impact some or restaurants,” she said. “But I’m a team player. If re’s a way to get creative and do it where it makes sense for everyone, that’s great.”Bowsher said ODA is planning to work with restaurant owners more directly to develop a long-range plan that can dress 25th Street businesses’ needs unique to pandemic.

“re’s a lot to work through at this point in time,” she said.As far as city is concerned, Caldwell said decisions will be me only after strong input from community on Historic 25th.“We’re working through it right w and taking comment and listening,” he said. “It’s a tough, sticky situation.”

(Im Credit: AP)