As March came to a close and eating and drinking establishments continued to explore outdoor seating options, the city reached out a helping hand.
The city has applied for funding through the 2021 Port of Seattle Economic Development Partnership Grant Program focused on acute COVID-19 relief and recovery. With full indoor dining capacity not yet allowed, the grant will focus on outdoor options and marketing support for businesses, said Sarah Bluvas, the city’s economic development coordinator, at the April 6 city council meeting.
Last October, Mercer Island small businesses and nonprofits benefited from the city’s COVID-19 relief grant program with funds allocated through the CARES Act, according to a Reporter article.
Bluvas noted at the meeting that the grant program guarantees funding based on a per-capita model, therefore Mercer Island is eligible for a little less than $25,000. When the Port staff transmits the contracting documents to the city, Bluvas said she will return to the city council — possibly in early May — and ask for its authorization to accept the award.
Last summer, council passed an ordinance allowing eating and drinking establishments the opportunity to extend their outdoor seating availability. They could apply for permits to expand their service onto public right-of-way property or to work with their landlords/property owners to use vehicle stalls in nearby private parking areas for seating.
Back then, Barrels Wine Bar in the Boyd Building was the only business to apply and was issued a permit, which was extended. Presently, three south end restaurants are working with their property manager to expand outdoors, Bluvas said.
“The (Chamber of Commerce) has worked really diligently to reach out to restaurants on the Island and let them know that these options are available in an attempt to expand our outdoor seating and opportunities,” Bluvas said.
The current ordinance will expire on Aug. 16, and issued permits will also expire on that date.
Bluvas added: “We plan to likely come back in the next couple of months to discuss some options for outdoor seating and maybe some more longer-term opportunities to assist our businesses.”
CITY BRIEFS
* Residents can give feedback on the Mercerdale Playground Replacement Project at its second virtual meeting from 7-8:30 p.m. on April 14.
As noted in a previous Reporter article, the park’s playground will be getting a new look with fresh equipment, drainage and a rubber play surface. The play equipment has reached the end of its useful life after 19 years, according to city Capital Projects Manager Paul West.
At the meeting, adults and children can participate in rapid live polling to vote for their preferences on a number of potential layouts and playground components. For more information, visit https://letstalk.mercergov.org/mercerdale-playground.
* In Thrift Shop news, sales for March 28 were near $8,000 thanks to COVID Phase 3 expansions that allows 50% capacity, or 40 customers, in the shop at one time. Over at the community center on March 27 for the shop’s one-day collection event, 175 vehicles were served.
* The Mercer Island Youth and Family Services Foundation noted that with additional donations rolling in since the Feb. 10 Rise Up! fundraising breakfast, its total stood at $535,000 and counting at press time.
* The city’s contractor reported that 621 vehicles carrying a total of 67,334 pounds of discarded material drove up to the annual spring recycling collection event on March 27 at the boat launch. Mercer Island Youth and Family Services Foundation volunteers also collected food gift cards and donations totaling $6,000 to benefit the food pantry.
CITY PROCLAMATIONS
Also at the April 6 meeting, council approved three city proclamations:
* Hopelink Day, April 21: Mayor Benson Wong joined the mayors of 18 other regional cities in signing a proclamation to celebrate the nonprofit that currently serves 65,000 people each year, including those who are experiencing poverty and homelessness.
The 50-year old organization “continues its essential mission of helping people and changing lives for the better in our community,” Wong wrote.
* Sexual Assault Awareness Month: The proclamation stated that in Washington state, 45% of women and 22% of men report having experienced sexual violence in their lifetime. Sexual harassment, assault and abuse happen in all communities and online, the proclamation adds.
In the proclamation, Wong said that residents can do their part by joining King County advocates and communities “in taking action to ensure that our online communities are safe and respectful for everyone and prevent sexual violence by standing with survivors.”
* Autism Awareness Month: The proclamation notes that autism is one of the fastest growing developmental disabilities in the world and affects approximately one in 54 children in the U.S. To show their support, this month, local police officers are sporting Autism Awareness patches.
Wong encourages residents to support families raising children with autism, “and to extend kindness and compassion to those who struggle with disabilities.”
