NEW ULM — A new parklet will come to downtown Minnesota Street

A parklet is a sidewalk extension that provides additional space and amenities for people using the street. Common parklet designs feature benches or picnic tables.

This week the City Council approved a request from Mn Eis, a seasonal ice cream shop, for a parklet in the two parking spaces in front of the building.

MN Eis was the first downtown proprietor to apply for the program. The parklet agreement requires MN Eis to maintain the space. The city also wants trash receptacles at parklets.

The application required a petition signed by 60% of first-floor proprietors within the block of the parklet. MN Eis received a petition signed by 65% of the proprietors.

City Councilor David Christian said he received one comment against the parklet. The individual objected because it took up too much parking space. Christian said he still supported the parklet because MN Eis received more than the 60% approval of the first-floor proprietors.

Councilor Larry Mack clarified that because this parklet was in the city right-of-way, anyone could sit on the benches provided. Its use would not be exclusively limited to MN Eis customers.

With the approval, MN Eis will be able to use the public right-of-way for the parklet from May 1 to November 1.

In Feb. 2021, New Ulm approved the parklet program. Parklets are allowed along Minnesota Street between 4th North and 3rd South streets. Parklets are also allowed on side streets between Broadway and Minnesota Street including 3rd North, 2nd North, 1st North, Center Street, 1st South, 2nd South and 3rd South.