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Market Space Interest Charge Waiver
For the purpose of waiving interest charges from unpaid monthly rent for parking spaces on Market Space, the street used for dining next to Market House in downtown Annapolis.
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City Council of the
City of Annapolis
Resolution 34-25
Introduced by: Mayor Buckley
Co-sponsored by:
Referred to: Finance Committee
A RESOLUTION concerning
Market Space Interest Charge Waiver
FOR the purpose of waiving interest charges from unpaid monthly rent for parking spaces on Market Space, the street used for dining next to Market House in downtown Annapolis.
WHEREAS, Restaurant owners next to Market Space, the street between retailers and Market House, across from Ego Alley, can rent parking spaces in front of their restaurants to create unique outdoor dining experiences; and
WHEREAS, The use of parking spaces for the outdoor dining area around Market House began during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, when indoor dining was reduced to 25% capacity in December of 2020; and
WHEREAS, The COVID-era order was lifted by the governor in March 2021, but outdoor dining continued to be popular. In response, the City established a temporary parklet program to support this trend. On April 14, 2025, the Annapolis City Council approved rules for outdoor dining with the adoption of O-10-25, solidifying the presence of dining on City sidewalks and streets as part of the city's landscape; and
WHEREAS, In the summer of 2025, the area now known as Market House Plaza emerged as a significant success for the city. Multiple restaurants collaborated to create a vibrant outdoor dining experience, fostering a people-centered downtown environment that prioritized people over vehicles. This initiative not only enhanced and expanded business operations in the area but also contributed to the overall strength of the Annapolis economy; and
WHEREAS, The outdoor dining program at Market House Plaza will soon come to an end because construction is beginning for the long-term City Dock project to address flooding issues and enhance public spaces by replacing the City Dock bulkhead, adding flood barriers, performing utility work, and rebricking the area.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that outstanding accrued interest on unpaid monthly rent for parking spaces used for dining on Market Space in downtown Annapolis be waived up to $20,000.
AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that this resolution shall take effect upon passage.