The Harlem City Council made some changes to its code Monday night.
During the council meeting on Monday, Feb. 27, council members approved amending the code with regard to outside consumption regulations and signage for alcoholic beverages, added a section about billboards, stormwater management and maintenance, and clarified language about land use.
Ordinance 2304 amends the regulations for outside consumption of alcoholic beverage regulations and signage. It states that outside consumption of alcoholic beverages will only be allowed within the Harlem Arts and Entertainment District only during a special event approved for outside consumption of alcoholic beverages by resolution of the mayor and council.
“Currently in order to sell alcohol in the Arts and Entertainment District, you have to be in the Arts and Entertainment District,” said City Manager Debra Moore said. “This is putting in place regulations for someone outside the district to be able to come in and set up a tent or a vending truck for that.”
Ordinance 2303 adds a new section to the code for billboards and provides a definition and specific construction criteria, locations and distances. The ordinance states that the exterior of the billboard will be brick, textured masonry block, or stucco. The billboard can only be on property with pre-existing commercial, retail or industrial use.
Ordinance 2301 added a section to the code about maintenance by private parties and maintenance by property or homeowner’s association. City staff recommended included language stating it will be the responsibility of the owner or operator to issues. Ordinance 2233 clarifies the number of residential structures permitted per property lot and to remove the reference to guest houses.
