Bridgeton council tables request to extend outdoor seating hours at 12344 Natural Bridge Road

The Bridgeton City Council on Nov. 6 held a public hearing on application 24-PZ-06—an amendment to special-use permit ordinance 12-43 that would let the restaurant at 12344 Natural Bridge Road keep outdoor seating until midnight seven nights a week and allow tables to remain overnight if chairs are removed. After staff presentation and applicant testimony, the council voted to table bill 64 64.

Planning and zoning officer Zach Greitens summarized the request and staff-recommended conditions, including limiting outdoor seating to a maximum of three tables with four chairs each, placing tables against the building to preserve pedestrian circulation, maintaining a six-foot clear pedestrian path and requiring chairs be removed at midnight. Greitens said the planning commission recommended approval with conditions by a 7–3 vote.

Council members raised public-safety and pedestrian-access concerns and asked whether a fence or painted delineation should mark the permitted seating area. "If they decide not to go with the fence, is that something that council can amend?" Greitens said council could add or delete conditions as it chooses. Several council members urged keeping hours consistent with nearby Layman's Landing.

Applicant Sentria Weekly testified that the kitchen currently closes at 12:30 a.m. Monday–Saturday and 11:30 p.m. Sunday, that the restaurant employs two security guards and that staff will "clear the front" after hours to ensure patrons do not linger. He also said the applicant would accept matching hours if council preferred.

After discussion, Council member Luke moved to table bill 64 64; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote, and bill 64 64 was tabled. No final amendment or approval was made at the meeting; the public hearing record and staff exhibits were accepted into the record.