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Council hears debate over curbside sidewalk café permit for downtown 35 N. 2nd St.
Summary
Council reviewed a planning commission recommendation to allow a sidewalk café at 35 North 2nd Street; staff noted the street segment is no-parking so curbside placement was feasible, while councilors raised concerns about sidewalk continuity and fairness to neighboring businesses.
City planning staff member Joe reported July 14 that a recent ordinance change makes the business at 35 North 2nd Street eligible to apply for a sidewalk café permit. The Planning Commission reviewed the application and recommended approval but discussed the proposed location of tables — curbside versus building-side.
Joe said placing tables curbside on this particular stretch works because that segment has no parking, which provides more usable room than building-side placement. Council members expressed concern that placing tables curbside at one business could create discontinuous pedestrian access or disadvantage neighboring businesses; staff said they recommended a trial and would revoke the permit if it created problems.
Council agreed there would be no motion that night (information only) and asked staff to consider continuity of the sidewalk and impacts on adjacent businesses before bringing the item back. Planning staff noted that a previous occupant of the space had received a similar permit but had not used it.
Next steps: staff to review the sidewalk-café placement and consider whether additional applications would be permitted to place seating curbside; the item will return for formal action if an application is filed or if council determines a policy change is needed.
