On Wednesday, the Martinez City Council is set to discuss and provide direction regarding its Outdoor Dining and Retail Program.
The discussion comes after the program was launched June 2020 and expanded in 2021 with a K-Rail barrier program and live music. By 2022, it was a formalized program with set weekly street closures (April -September, ever Friday and Saturday night).
According to the Staff Report, in 2023–2024, the Program adjusted operating hours (Fridays and Saturdays, 5:00–10:00 p.m.), introduced a $250 administrative fee, and extended into October at the request of participating businesses. However, across the same period, business participation declined, leaving only five participants in 2024 – Brix & Craft, Del Cielo, Retro Now, Roxx on Main, and Taco Daddy’s (subsequently closed).
In November, the city sent out a survey on the Outdoor Dining and Retail Program to all merchants in the downtown area (200) with just 36 replied. Responses were generally neutral, with 47 percent of respondents indicating the overall impact of the street closures is neutral.
Staff is looking for a recommendation from the City Council on a recommendation for the Outdoor Dining and Retail Program, proposing a solution that will provide greater flexibility to the businesses, streamline the administration of street closures, and generate innovative approaches to events in the Downtown.
Staff recommends transitioning participating business under the City’s Special Event Program—similar to other events throughout the year and a streamlined process (online).
According to the report, Staff has engaged Brix & Craft, Del Cielo, and Roxx on Main, who expressed the following:
- Brix & Craft: Supports transitioning it to the Special Event Program; prefers fewer street closures.
- Del Cielo: Wants to ensure street closure on Estudillo Street can remain on Friday and Saturday, and also expand to Sunday to align with the Farmer’s Market.
- Roxx on Main: Supports transitioning to the Special Event Program; suggested partnering with Martinez Music Mafia for larger music events.
Fiscal Impact
The City received $1,250 in 2024 from application fees associated with the Outdoor Dining and Retail Program. Should the City Council concur with staff’s recommendation, this fee would be eliminated. There is currently no application fee associated with the Special Event Program.
Merchant Survey
According to a Merchant Feedback Survey, which had 36 total responses, it shared the following data.
On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate the overall impact of the street closures on your business?
- 31% very positive
- 8% positive
- 47% neutral
- 11% negative
- 3% very negative
2) How has the street closure for the outdoor dining program impacted your business operations? (Select all that apply)
- 51% no noticeable impact on foot traffic or sales
- 26% positively increased foot traffic and sales
- 13% created logistical challenges for deliveries and operations
- 5% negatively decreased foot traffic and sales
- 3% other
- 3% other
3) What are your primary concerns, if any, about the street closures during outdoor dining events? (Select all that apply)
- 12% Reduced accessibility to my business
- 22% Loss of parking spaces for customers
- 4% Increased noise levels
- 2% Safety concerns (e.g., crowd control, emergency access)
- 8% Duration and frequency of street closures
- 6% Impact on deliveries and shipments
- 46% I have no concerns about the program
Full Survey results, click here
If You GO
- Martinez City Council Meeting
- DATE: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
- TIME: 6:00 PM – Closed Session
- 7:00 PM – Regular Session
- 525 Henrietta Street, Martinez, CA 94553
- Full Agenda – click here
