This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
At their Tuesday night study session, Longmont City Council met with the Longmont Downtown Development Authority (LDDA) to begin a conversation about possible policy updates and rule changes to Longmont’s downtown campus. The Downtown Development Authority approached Council with two policy proposals.
Breezeways and Microplazas
The first policy proposal they brought forward would add Downtown breezeways and microplazas as areas covered by some of the rules found in the Public Lands Ordinance.
Essentially, breezeways and microplazas would be subject to some rules that apply to city parks, greenways and open spaces. The LDDA discussed with council the possibility of expanding the Park Ranger Program to the downtown area and implementing a rule that would ban gathering in microplazas and breezeways between the hours of 11 pm.. and 5 a.m.
“Under that Public Lands Ordinance, it says that from 11 p.m. until 5 a.m., things like the breezeways and microplazas could be used for their intended purpose. That is, being a walkway to get people from our public parking lots onto Main Street safely as a passthrough,” said Kimberlee McKee, executive director of the Longmont Downtown Development Authority. “When we improved those breezeways, we felt as though they were great gathering places in the day, but we wanted to make sure at night that then they became those pass-throughs so people can get safely from point A to point B.”
Council directed staff to come back with an ordinance that would apply a portion of these rules to breezeways and microplazas in a pilot program. At the time that ordinance is brought back, the LDDA and city staff will present Council with a presentation and data showing why they think these proposed rule changes are necessary.
A Potential Smoking Ban
The second policy proposal the LDDA brought to council would make Downtown Longmont a smoke-free area. The LDDA recently conducted a downtown business survey and a general public survey to gauge public opinion in Longmont on smoking and smoking litter.
As per the Council communication, “During data collection, the business and general public surveys indicted strong support of smoking restrictions downtown (greater than 60%) and most voted that Main St. (over 50%) and the breezeways (over 40%) were the most important areas to restrict smoking. Designated smoking areas were also supported in the survey (more than 65%).” This data comes from 161 business responses, and 708 general public responses.
The council communication also cites the new smoke-free rules as being intended to “...reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, decrease cigarette litter, and improve air quality.” The Colorado Clean Air Act already prohibits smoking within 15 feet of any public entrance, and Longmont (along with over 25 other Colorado communities) does not allow the usage of electronic vapor devices anywhere where smoking is also prohibited.
“If passed, a Downtown Smoking ordinance rollout plan will include public education, signage, clean up, moving of receptacles, Downtown business education/training, and enforcement plans/options. We will work with Boulder County Public Health to make a smooth transition for Downtown businesses and the employees, clients, and visitors that come Downtown,” states the LDDA communication.
“I’m very happy that we banned smoking inside. I’m very happy that we banned smoking outside within 15 feet,” said Mayor Pro Tem Polly Christensen. “I’m wondering why we are talking about banning it all along the street. Is this really a major problem for us?”
Council narrowly passed a motion 4-3 that instructed city staff to return for a pre-session with an ordinance amending smoking regulations that would create a smoke-free campus in the Downtown Longmont District, outlined in this photo that was included in the council communication.
