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Council adopts local law banning outdoor cooking on sidewalks, citing safety and accessibility
Summary
The Common Council approved Local Law 25-5 adding section 15-17.1 to the City Code to prohibit outdoor cooking on sidewalks, 7–2 in a roll call vote; supporters cited safety and ADA access while opponents said regulation, not a ban, would better protect small businesses on Main Street.
The City of Poughkeepsie Common Council voted on May 6 to adopt Local Law 25-5, adding section 15-17.1 to the Poughkeepsie Code of Ordinances to prohibit outdoor cooking on sidewalks. The measure passed on a roll call of seven in favor and two opposed.
The law’s sponsor, Councilwoman McClinton, said enforcement gaps left pedestrians and residents — including people who use wheelchairs — exposed to blocked sidewalks and safety hazards. She and other supporters described the measure as a public-safety and accessibility rule intended to protect sidewalks from obstruction and to ensure compliance with health…
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