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COVID-19
Mesa Al Fresco encourages restaurants and bars to provide open-air patio dining
Application deadline Dec. 1 for up to $1,000 to offset the cost
Posted
Independent Newsmedia
The city of Mesa is working with Mesa dining and beverage establishments to temporarily expand their services to outdoor areas on their property.
Mesa Al Fresco has teamed with the Mesa CARES Small Business Technical Assistance Program, which offers a reimbursement of up to $1,000 to offset the cost of the patio expansion. The funding could be used for such items as tables, chairs, umbrellas, lighting and temporary fencing, according to release.
“We’re continually looking for ways to help restaurants and small businesses navigate the ongoing pandemic,” Mayor John Giles said in the release. “As the weather cools down, the Al Fresco program will allow Mesa restaurants to expand service areas outdoors, to serve more customers and provide more dining options.”
City staff from numerous departments have worked to create a streamlined process to approve expansion-of-premises requests. The permit fees will be funded with Mesa CARES dollars with the goal of approving applications within two to four business days.
The restaurant owners and operators will need to obtain landlord approvals to temporarily expand their facilities and ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, social distancing and other life/safety requirements to protect the public.
Heather Omta, Mesa’s development services small business assistant, will be the point of contact to receive, review and approve expansion requests. For more information, contact Heather at heather.omta@mesaaz.gov or 480-644-6451.
Applications are available online at www.mesaaz.gov/home/showdocument?id=39326. The application deadline is Dec. 1. The expansion funding, if approved, will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Businesses seeking reimbursement must enroll in the Mesa CARES Small Business Technical Assistance Program to qualify for the Mesa Al Fresco program. Applications and information are available at www.mesaaz.gov/CARESBizTechAssist.
Mesa City Council took action to allow creation of Mesa Al Fresco, part of the Mesa CARES Initiative that supports individuals, families and businesses impacted by COVID-19. Funding comes from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.
