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Council approves license for two tables and chairs on boardwalk for new restaurant; some members voice taxpayer equity concerns
Summary
The council granted a seasonal license allowing Barrier Beach restaurant to place two tables and up to four chairs on the boardwalk. Council debate centered on whether the fee reflects fair value to taxpayers and whether the city should favor one business; the motion passed with two no votes.
The City Council on Oct. 7 approved a license agreement permitting a newly opened restaurant, Barrier Beach, to place two tables and up to four chairs on the boardwalk immediately adjacent to its Super Block location. The council said the license would be for a nominal annual fee and intended to support a small business while preserving boardwalk circulation.
City staff described site constraints and said the tables would be kept within four feet of a city light pole so they would not restrict pedestrian flow. The paperwork for the license originally stated two tables with four chairs each; staff and council clarified that the intent is two tables with a total of up to four chairs. One council member expressed concern that the fee was disproportionately low compared with the potential value the business gains from added seating; that council member (Roy) voted no.
Council discussion and public comment focused on consistency and pedestrian impacts. A public commenter said Park Avenue restaurants’ outdoor seating can impede sidewalks, and asked the city to consider how boardwalk seating might affect pedestrians, bicyclists and older residents. City staff responded that the boardwalk arrangement differs from Park Avenue and that the license would limit chairs and require city oversight; the license is not a concession agreement and staff said the goal is to support the new tenant, not to generate revenue.
The motion passed on a roll-call vote with two recorded no votes (Council member Roy and Council member Lester) and the remainder in favor.
Ending: Staff said they will correct the license language to explicitly say two tables and up to four chairs in total, finalize an annual fee and monitor boardwalk flow; enforcement and fee adjustments can follow if the licensee violates conditions.
