Montpelier — The City Council approved a temporary waiver allowing a parklet outside Bent Nails Bistro to remain in place for a limited period, subject to several conditions to address safety, drainage and visibility concerns.
City staff and public-safety officers reviewed the parklet and identified items out of compliance with the city’s parklet standards: the structure is in a no-parking/delivery zone, it impedes gutter drainage, lacks reflective signage, was not adequately anchored against flotation, and sits close to an intersection/crosswalk area. Chris Lumruff, sustainability/facilities coordinator, presented those findings and recommended a conditional waiver.
Staff recommended a short-term, one-time waiver for six weeks to allow the business to retain the parklet this season if the parklet is altered to allow water flow along the gutter, anchored or otherwise secured against flotation, and fitted with visible signage and reflective markings. Chief Libby’s crew tested emergency-vehicle access and determined large trucks could still back into the end of Langdon Street though access is not ideal.
Councilors approved the waiver, with Councilor Mike (name as in record) noting staff will work with the business to ensure anchoring and drainage modifications. Council asked that staff measure the distance to the crosswalk and finalize the safety measures before the waiver was operative.
The council framed the decision as a conditional and temporary permission to support downtown activation while ensuring public-safety and river-hazard permitting issues are resolved; staff will return if additional changes are required or for future seasonal approvals.