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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 and fire standards.
Opponents, including Councilman Grant, said the ban disproportionately affects small, primarily Caribbean-owned food businesses on Main Street that use outdoor grills to attract customers and supplement income. Grant said, "I could wake up and smell jerk chicken from Main Street from my house," and argued the council should consider a permit or regulatory approach rather than an outright prohibition.
The council held an extended discussion. Several members said the intent was not to shut down small vendors permanently but to prevent sidewalk obstructions and to ensure access for people with disabilities. Majority Leader Patterson Thompson referenced ADA accessibility in explaining his support. Vice Chair Shook and others indicated the administration had pledged to help affected businesses find alternative, permitted ways to operate.
Vote and implementation: The roll call recorded Yes votes from Councilmembers Henry, Brown, James, McClinton, Majority Leader Patterson Thompson, Vice Chair Shook and Chair Wilson; Councilmembers Menace and Grant voted No. Councilmembers and staff noted the building and health departments would be involved in enforcement and the administration would explore vendor alternatives such as designated park or curbside locations.
Why it matters: Supporters framed the change as an accessibility and safety fix to protect pedestrians, people with disabilities and children; opponents warned of economic impacts to small food businesses and urged a regulated permit system instead of a ban.
Next steps: The law was adopted on first reading and moved forward through the council’s ordinance process; city staff and council members said they would continue conversations about vendor support and possible permitting models to allow regulated outdoor food service in designated spaces.
