Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s announcement that Michigan will open up even more next week in the wake of the COVID-19 health crisis has prompted the City of Wayland to make moves in the same direction.
The City Council Monday night asked City Manager Josh Eggleston to craft a resolution permitting downtown restaurants to expand seating to nearby outdoor sites.
“I think this is something that, if done properly, could be of great benefit,” Eggleston told council members.
“We must do everything we can to be supportive of our local businesses,” echoed Councilwoman Jennifer Antel.
Though they have remained open for the past three months during the crisis, MacDuff’s, the Wayland Hotel, Four One Two Distillery and Open Road Brewery have had to limit their services to customers.
There is a question about a state law that forbids serving alcohol in outdoor venues, but it was pointed out that the city could do an end run like Grand Rapids did and set aside such areas, much as what is done during local festivals and let the rules continue until as late as Oct. 31.
The question of where the food and drink could be served also presented challenges.
While commenting on a proposal to open the north-south alleyway just to the west of South Main, Councilman Joe Kramer said, “I like the idea of making it like a Monroe Center in downtown Grand Rapids.”
Councilman Tim Rose cautioned that food and drink delivery trucks may need to use the alleyway, so perhaps the hours could be geared toward evening customers.
Eggleston also said MacDuff’s should be allowed to use the alleyway and parking lot, owned by the city, to its immediate north and west.
Council members agreed they’d like Eggleston to prepare a resolution by Friday and vote on it in a special meeting Monday, June 8.
In a related matter, Eggleston said he has been fielding inquiries about when the popular splash pad in the City Park will reopen.
“We will evaluate once stay at home order is lifted,” the city manager said. “Right now most communities are taking the ‘closed until further notice’ approach.
“It’s possible that social distancing guidelines will still be in place, even after stay at home order is lifted. It would be almost impossible to enforce social distancing and have the facility open.”
He said because of Whitmer’s announcement Monday, city crews will begin work on preparing the pad and the bathrooms for opening as soon as possible, perhaps within one to two weeks.
He said the public should be warned to “use the rest rooms at your own risk.”
City Hall will be reopening Monday, morning, June 8, and the council may have its first face-to-face regular meeting since March 16 with a public hearing Monday, June 15.