Greater City Providence

Why is no one dining outside?

Why is no one eating at sidewalk tables on this beautiful spring afternoon (well aside from the fact that Broadway Bistro isn’t open for lunch, I didn’t feel like walking further down the block to illustrate the point fully)? Seems that due to complaints, the city has been cracking down on permits for outdoor dining in the Broadway area.

From the WBNA:

Councilman Lombardi held a meeting with business owners and city representatives in early April with regard to the issue of outdoor seating and usage of sidewalk space for restaurants and other businesses on Broadway. In response to the issues that were raised, Councilman Lombardi asked that a zoning amendment be prepared to remedy the current restrictions that prohibit use of sidewalk on Broadway (considered an extension of business premises). He will be introducing the ordinance and ushering the zoning amendment through the approval process, which will hopefully be able to be expedited. In the meantime, Councilman Lombardi is exploring other options with the department of inspection and standards and the administration to determine if there is a temporary waiver or some other measure to ensure that businesses on Broadway do not suffer further from the current limitations. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the councilman at the City Council office, 521-7477

Many residents have contacted Councilman Lombardi to express their support for outdoor dining on Broadway. If you haven’t contacted the Councilman already, please let him know that you support his efforts to get tables on the sidewalks as soon as possible.

Oh by the way, Broadway Bistro is excellent, I highly recommend it!

Jef Nickerson

Jef is Greater City Providence's co-founder, editor, and publisher. He grew up on Cape Cod and lived in Boston; Portland, Maine; and New York before settling in Providence. In addition to urbanism, Jef is interested in art, design, and ice cream. Please feel free to contact Jef if you have any question or comments about Greater City Providence.

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