Debate over Oldfashioned Cafe roadway cafe exposes split among neighbors; board to weigh revised hours and table count

Oldfashioned Cafe’s request to expand into a roadway cafe at 110 Thompson Street resurfaced a long-running dispute between supporters who praised the restaurant’s community role and neighbors who described repeated violations, noise and late‑night disturbances.

Owner Antonia Yakas and counsel presented a municipal‑alteration and method‑of‑operation change to permit eight roadway tables and 16 seats with proposed hours 9 a.m.–10 p.m. daily (SEG 2786–2793). Counsel and the owner said they had removed unauthorized seating in mid‑2025, paid penalties, posted no‑smoking signage and patrol the immediate area to discourage loitering; they also provided letters of support from many residents and the co‑op board (SEG 2872–2882, SEG 2903–2912, SEG 3076–3088).

Opponents, including a nearby resident who read a written statement (Elizabeth White), recounted a history of unauthorized outdoor seating, late hours and recurring noise that disrupted sleep and work; White said the Liquor Authority had explicitly directed operators not to serve outdoors and that those directives were ignored (written opposition: SEG 3231–3299). Proponents — several residents who testified in person — described Oldfashioned as a well‑managed, safety‑enhancing local business and urged the board to restore permitted outdoor seating (supporting comments: SEG 3061–3099, SEG 3119–3160).

Committee members emphasized enforcement and adherence to prior directives. Counsel offered concessions in the meeting — including reducing proposed outdoor hours and willingness to remove tables — and suggested the applicant would accept conditions to address immediate neighbors’ concerns (applicant concession and offers: SEG 3330–3340, SEG 3348–3354). Members discussed specific mitigation: limiting hours (board chair suggested 9 p.m. outdoor cutoff), reducing table count, and requiring documented monitoring and a direct contact for neighbors.

Outcome and next steps: The committee did not reach a final recommendation at the meeting. Members discussed a set of intermediate steps — a reduced hours proposal (e.g., close outdoor seating by 9 p.m.), reduction to six roadway tables/12 seats, and written stipulations demonstrating methods to prevent loitering and blockages of pedestrian walkways. The committee indicated it will consider a conditional recommendation if the applicant returns with enforceable, documented commitments and a clear plan for adherence to Liquor Authority requirements.

Ending: The application remains undetermined; the committee asked the owner to propose firm, enforceable stipulations and community outreach showing impact mitigation before the board will issue a formal recommendation.