A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to parking and infrastructure, with the city exploring options to secure federal funding for beach renourishment. The agency discussed the potential increase in parking spaces in certain areas from approximately nine to as many as 22, though this assessment is pending completion. A proposal to convert Second Street and Fourth Avenue into parking for low-speed vehicles was also considered, which could affect overall parking availability. The need for innovative parking solutions was emphasized, with one suggestion involving the creation of a park in front of Lynch’s on the ocean by repurposing parking spaces. This could alleviate pressure on the P3 project, which is set to be released soon.

The agency considered elevating the parking lot owned by Jack Beach to allow for a double-stacked parking solution, thereby providing flexibility to businesses requiring ground-level space. The speaker highlighted the need to rethink parking decisions, noting past conversions to parallel parking reduced usable space and hindered pedestrian access. The contract with the city mandates maintaining 100 parking spaces at the pier, currently ranging between 117 and 124, but the requirement remains at a minimum of 100. The board also touched on a boardwalk approach for families, acknowledging that any plans involving the Sneakers property require separate negotiations with its owner due to its private status.

The agency also addressed the outdoor dining pilot program, which has been positively received over its initial two-year period. The proposal to expand outdoor dining areas was discussed, although the expansion would not be immediate but would allow for growth over several years, extending the program until December 2029. Concerns were raised about grant program budget implications if expanded to support businesses opting for outdoor seating. There was a consensus that the current grant program is not designed for temporary setups like tables and chairs but rather permanent installations.

While there was strong support for expanding outdoor dining areas to include streets like Second Avenue North, Third Avenue North, and Sixth Avenue North, concerns were voiced about safety and traffic flow, especially near roundabouts. The expansion proposal necessitates a careful evaluation of urban design regulations, with a member noting the importance of forwarding the board’s varied opinions to the city council.

The meeting also highlighted the agency’s collaboration with the Southern Group for consulting services, which were approved in a resolution. The Southern Group has been instrumental in providing legislative updates and assisting with the P3 project, which has encountered complexities requiring more hours than initially estimated. The South End redevelopment plan was mentioned as being in relatively good condition, requiring only minor updates.

Lastly, the agency discussed city beautification efforts and infrastructure projects, including a monthly downtown review initiative to streamline communication and problem-solving by addressing issues street by street. Concerns about cleanliness, particularly around public dumpster areas near new restaurants, were raised, emphasizing the need for increased community awareness and reporting of maintenance issues to ensure prompt action by authorities.