Allowing Temporary Carryout Parking

This post the latest in Rural Resurrection’s ongoing series regarding COVID-19. Rural Resurrection will be posting regularly about the virus’ impact on rural governments and what local leaders can do. Follow us to stay informed of recent posts as we all work our way through this as “we are all in this together”.

In a previous post that discussed being flexible for small businesses in these tough times, one aspect that was discussed was the allowance of temporary carryout parking zones. It appears that this is a growing idea. The City of Detroit has recently been highlighted for their own program. Upon completion of an online form, the Detroit Public Works Department will look into installing signage allowing specific parking spots to be reserved for Restaurant Carryout Zones. It’s a free campaign by a besieged community.

Update from the Detroit Civil Rights, Inclusion and Opportunity department on the Restaurant Carryout Zone during COVID-19.

To request a restaurant carryout zone go to https://t.co/IK47WHbhYg. pic.twitter.com/hWyWZCAV3x

— City of Detroit (@CityofDetroit) March 17, 2020

This program pushes above and beyond the initial allowance by some communities. Looking the other way while restaurants to reserve the spots themselves and not enforcing conflicting ordinances. It makes a dedicated statement that the City will support local restaurants with official signage. Detroit’s website has more information on the program and provides a list of the participating restaurants, as well as a map of where those participants are.

The Rising Tide

Zionsville IN Carry Out Sign

It appears that Milwaukee and Indianapolis have followed suit with their own programs. The City of Edmonds, Washington has done the same and My Edmonds News has published a list of restaurants in Edmonds with information regarding the status of each one. Zionsville, Indiana has created specific signage with their branding included on the sign.

Most rural communities do not have the wherewithal to set up a program like Detroit’s. Yet, there are a  growing number of communities that are taking initiative on this subject. The rising number of communities doing this is a clear sign that it is an issue to consider.

What You Can Do

Paying for reflective MUTCD-esque signs like Detroit has for a few months of use may not be a viable route for your small town. However, a local sign company may be able to print some coroplast temp signs relatively cheaply.

Additionally, a web form also isn’t necessary for many small communities. The city staff in many rural communities already know the owners of local restaurants. Restaurants requesting carryout parking can do so with a simple phone call or email. As you will recognize in many of my posts, the KISS method (Keep It Simple Stupid) is a preferred route.

Also, push it out to social media. Let the restaurants know they can do it. You don’t need to write up a full web page when your community has less restaurants than fingers on your hand. Once again the KISS method steps in to make things easy.

For the restaurants themselves, Restaurant.org has provided “4 steps to successful curbside pick-up“. This quick tutorial provides some simple things to remember when starting your own curbside service.

With a few relatively simple actions, your community can provide support to those restaurants that are a key part of your community.

You may know of a rural government, organization, or business that has stepped up to help their community during this pandemic. They may be a helpful example to other communities, don’t keep it to yourself! Let us know through our contact form.