ODOT is asking for the removal of several parklets ... How you can help:

Love the local parklets around town? They could use your support to stay up. ODOT has asked several businesses to remove or change their parklets. Today, many people emailed ODOT asking them to reconsider their request. I was one of them. I received a standard, happy response that I think many people did: 

Thank you for contacting the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).  The City of Hood River has a parklet program allowing restaurants to provide seating for customers in parking spaces adjacent to city streets.  The City’s requirements to businesses clearly state installations on state highways require an ODOT permit.  The permitting process allows ODOT to ensure consistency with our statewide safety regulations.  ODOT’s priority is to ensure the safety of both diners and the traveling public.  Unfortunately, these parklets were not installed consistent with ODOT regulations and need to be reconfigured or relocated. 

The good news today is ODOT did issue a permit to the City of Hood River for reconfigured layouts at these three locations.  We expect work can be done during off hours to ensure seating is available during business hours.  This is an unfortunate situation and we’re doing everything we can to minimize the impact.    

In addition, ODOT and the City have agreed on a simple process to add more outdoor sidewalk seating, should additional businesses desire to take advantage of the program.  Thank you again, for sharing your concerns about the success of local business and patrons.

The issue with this statement is that ODOT is still requiring businesses such as Taphouse 64, Andrew's, and Slopeswell to remove or redesign their parklets. Parklets which they spent significant time and money building. These business owners have already suffered significantly due to COVID and ODOT's response is "​We expect work can be done during off hours to ensure seating is available during business hours." While ODOT is happy and cheery about possible sidewalk seating, unfortunately these locations are highly trafficked by pedestrians. There is not room to responsibly socially distance while adding tables to the walkway. Parklets solved this problem and now business owners are being asked to move or change them. Furthermore, these parklets are built in 20-25 MPH zones -- areas that are already safe for people. If ODOT is concerned about having parklets on the road, perhaps there is another compromise. Could they lower the speed limit temporarily to 15 mph? Could the city close the road? Could ODOT require reflectors and lights so that drivers can better see the pods? 

If you have a moment, please drop a note to ODOT, the governor, or a local representative or senator expressing your support. Or anyone else you think can help. 

Click here to leave a comment with ODOT

Click here to leave a comment for Governor Kate Brown 

Reach Senator Chuck Thomsen by emailing ​Sen.ChuckThomsen@oregonlegislature.gov

Click here to email Representative Greg Walden

Email Representative Anna Williams at ​​Rep.AnnaWilliams@oregonlegislature.gov