Nancy Edmonds Hanson
nancy.edmonds.hanson@gmail.com
Imagine sipping a drink or dining at a sidewalk cafe – not in Paris, but in Moorhead. The city council eased the way to doing just that Tuesday, when it approved temporary rules to allow local bars and restaurants to serve customers on city-owned sidewalks and parking lots.
While the decision may certainly add ambiance in line with boosters’ dream of a “walkable downtown,” it is rooted in hard reality. As Gov. Tim Walz relaxes his emergency shut-down orders on the hospitality industry, the partial reopening scheduled for Monday, June 1, allows table service … but only outdoors. Local establishments already equipped with patios or adjoining parking lots are developing plans to comply with the new rules. Employees are mandated to wear masks, as are waiting diners and drinkers. Tables must be spaced to accommodate six feet of distancing, and a maximum of 50 customers are allowed.
But landlocked establishments without outdoor property of their own may now use nearby city sidewalks, parking lots and other areas at no charge by filing a temporary-use agreement with the city. Businesses serving alcohol must also provide a photo or other description of the area to be used, which should be clearly demarcated from its surroundings. The arrangements terminate Dec. 31.
No additional permit or permission is needed when establishments are serving on their own property.
City manager Chris Volkers and Downtown Moorhead Inc. director Derrick LaPoint presented the proposal to the council after a morning consultation with owners led by DMI and the Moorhead Business Association. Volkers noted the obstacles the eateries and bars already face in acquiring tables, chairs and equipment for outdoor service: “We want to help these businesses open as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
Questioned by council members, the two said that at least 36 inches of sidewalks will remain unobstructed to allow pedestrian traffic. Some questions remain, they added, about whether open garage doors count as outdoors (they currently do not) and the use of tents. “The Department of Health’s rules are still evolving. We expect some changes and clarifications in the next couple days,” LaPoint said.
Council member Deb White commented, “We may learn some things from this experience that we’ll want to continue after the pandemic is finally over.”
12th and Main gets tax break
Construction will begin this summer on a four-story apartment building a block east of the downtown Hornbacher’s after the council approved a Renaissance Zone property tax exemption. The residential structure proposed by 12th and Main LLC will include 33 studio, one- and two-bedroom units on the upper three floors, with indoor parking on the first level.
Described by developer Justin Berg and architect Rhet Fiskness as housing designed for college students and young professionals, the building’s cost is $4.15 million. It occupies a now-barren lot east of 12th Street and faces Main Avenue – thus, the name 12th & Main Apartments. Completion is expected in Summer 2021.
The property qualifies for, and received, a 10-year property tax exemption – 100% for the first five years, then 75% in years six through 10. The land itself remains fully taxable throughout the exemption period.
Airport gets CARES funds
The council approved a grant of $30,000 to the Moorhead Municipal Airport under the federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security)Act. The pandemic relief grant funds will be used for the airport’s operational and maintenance expenses and small repairs identified in a facilities review in 2019.
