What are the reasons for keeping the roadway open along First Street?
The access that First Street provides has been supported by the City Council as essential to the Riverfront District and existing First Street businesses. This street is needed for both large and small delivery trucks, including service to the Post Office and is important for public safety and emergency vehicles. The Uniform Building Code (Section 303.3) requires that all buildings intended for public assembly occupancies, e.g., restaurants, taverns, public meeting places with occupancies of more than 50 people “shall front directly on or discharge to a public street not less than 20 feet in width.” First Street, including the block between Western and Washington, is currently a platted street; before it can be removed from public use, a state-mandated process must be followed that includes public hearings and deliberations by the City Council.
