So, what's the deal with Martin Mack's semi-abandoned parklet?
As you know, Martin Macks has been going through puberty for about a year now. They sprouted a parklet, changed ownership, redecorated, updated their menu, and crowd-sourced a new name. After the new owners took over, there were some disputes about whether or not the city would allow alcohol to be served in the parklet. To make sure they were in compliance, Martin Macks posted sandwich board signs stating that there is no smoking or drinking allowed. As you may have noticed, this measure left the parklet rarely used, except by incense-peddlers, guitar-strummers and the like. We wanted to know more about the parklet's status, since we know the requirements for getting a permit to have a parklet are pretty strict. The Department of Public Works only grants a permit if they feel that the business owners applying have good intentions and will keep the parklet in line with the needs of the neighborhood it serves. Well, it turns out that Martin Macks' situation is unique. DPW doesn't have a mechanism for dealing with parklets that belong to a business that was seized. Martin Macks parklet permit is currently on hold with the DPW. The reason the permit hasn't simply been denied is that if the parklet has to come down, there isn't a mechanism for that either. Removing the parklet and fixing the sidewalk and curb would cost about $5000, and the city can't pay for it. So, for now, we have a partially abandoned parklet. More to come, we're sure.
As you know, Martin Macks has been going through puberty for about a year now. They sprouted a parklet, changed ownership, redecorated, updated their menu, and crowd-sourced a new name. After the new owners took over, there were some disputes about whether or not the city would allow alcohol to be served in the parklet. To make sure they were in compliance, Martin Macks posted sandwich board signs stating that there is no smoking or drinking allowed. As you may have noticed, this measure left the parklet rarely used, except by incense-peddlers, guitar-strummers and the like. We wanted to know more about the parklet's status, since we know the requirements for getting a permit to have a parklet are pretty strict. The Department of Public Works only grants a permit if they feel that the business owners applying have good intentions and will keep the parklet in line with the needs of the neighborhood it serves. Well, it turns out that Martin Macks' situation is unique. DPW doesn't have a mechanism for dealing with parklets that belong to a business that was seized. Martin Macks parklet permit is currently on hold with the DPW. The reason the permit hasn't simply been denied is that if the parklet has to come down, there isn't a mechanism for that either. Removing the parklet and fixing the sidewalk and curb would cost about $5000, and the city can't pay for it. So, for now, we have a partially abandoned parklet. More to come, we're sure.
