Backroom Compact or Accord in an Alleyspace
The City of Sheridan has recently entered into agreements with two downtown businesses, Freshly Minted Real Estate, LLC and Bighorn Design Homes LLC, for the use of a portion of Smith Alley. These agreements, which pertain to the use of the alleyway space located in the downtown area, were made by the City Council.
The purpose of these agreements is to allow the adjacent properties to use Smith Alley for outdoor seating, a move aimed at supporting local business operations and enhancing economic activity downtown. According to City Engineer Thomas Morneau, the adjacent properties requested the agreements.
The agreements, which have a term of five years, were made between the City of Sheridan and the two businesses. The City can terminate the lease agreements with 90 days notice if the public interest is no longer served. It is important to note that the City retains the right to terminate the agreements for health and safety reasons at any time.
While the specific details such as the exact terms, reasons for the agreements, and the fees or rents paid to the city for the use of public property are not fully detailed in the available information, typical municipal alleyway agreements for business use often include a defined time period for exclusive or shared use of the alley space, terms concerning maintenance, liability, and permitted uses, and fees or rents paid to the city.
In 2021, Smith Alley east was closed to vehicular traffic. The City of Sheridan also entered into a memorandum of understanding with Mint Bar and Bighorn Design for improvements to Smith Alley east. For more precise details about the duration, terms, and motivations behind these specific agreements, you would likely need to consult the City of Sheridan’s official records or contact city officials directly.
The City Council has initiated these agreements with Freshly Minted Real Estate, LLC and Bighorn Design Homes LLC for the purpose of investing in the downtown area, particularly in the realm of financing business operations and real-estate development. These agreements, which have a term of five years, involve using Smith Alley for outdoor seating, a move designed to boost local businesses and enhance economic activity in the city.
