Along with 10 other Marin Agencies, San Rafael was awarded funding to support local businesses and redesign public streets through the TAM Quick Build Program. San Rafael’s application proposed to convert 7-9 parking areas along Fourth Street into outdoor dining areas. The City would procure and install the barricades and planter boxes, so that restaurants are only required to supply the outdoor tables and chairs for the space. While the City’s application for outdoor dining has been open for nearly two months, only one business downtown (Johnny’s Doughnuts) has successfully installed an outdoor eating area in existing parking spaces. The financial and logistical constraints in installing a dining area on the street remain barriers for many cash-strapped restaurants. The hope is that with the City’s assistance through the TAM Quick Build Program funding, we will soon see more of these dining areas popping up downtown.
