Town staff recommend lower outdoor‑dining fees and relax umbrella logo ban; Select Board to vote next meeting

Town planning and economic‑development staff presented recommended changes to Brookline’s outdoor‑dining program Sept. 24, proposing lower 2025 fees and guideline amendments intended to boost participation and reduce barriers for small businesses.

Key staff recommendations included setting seasonal sidewalk renewal fees at $250 (with a higher first‑time fee for onboarding), seasonal on‑street fees at $500 (first‑time $1,000), and reduced annual fees for grandfathered on‑street licenses. Staff also proposed removing a prohibition on vendor‑branded umbrellas — a change intended to reduce costs for restaurants that receive umbrellas as vendor donations — while retaining a ban on painted or advertised Jersey barriers unless DPW approval is granted.

Select Board members engaged in extended discussion. Some members and small‑business advocates said outdoor dining drives commercial vibrancy and helps businesses survive; others raised concerns about the cumulative loss of on‑street parking spaces, the interaction with planned Washington Street redesign (25% design milestone), and how the town will handle conflicts when multiple restaurants seek the same curb space. Staff said Washington Street redesign work is not expected to begin construction until FY2028 but that design decisions at the 25% milestone will be important for long‑term street‑use planning.

The Select Board did not take a final vote on the fee changes Sept. 24; the board indicated it will vote at the next meeting after additional review and community input.