This blog printed on 100% recycled electrons.
KJAM reports that, in just a week, the Stadium Sports Grill has seen an uptick in business thanks to its new outdoor seating. The city approved the permit for Stadium's outdoor dining just last week.
Monday's MDL reported Jack Meyer's concerns that outdoor dining might be hard on the sidewalks and set a bad example for the youth (as if the kids don't know full well what's going on behind the closed doors and shaded windows of the Four Corners, or see for themselves the beer signs in "family-friendly" Stadium). Alas, according to Tuesday's paper, Meyer's attorney told him the city's permit is an administrative decision that can't be referred to a public vote.
Now I love a good petition drive and public vote. In this case, though, I'm pleased to see the outdoor dining permit stand. Outdoor dining is a staple of vibrant downtowns. Even KELO's Steve Hemmingsen recognizes the charm of a little outdoor commerce. A nice outdoor bistro on Main Street is just like a good front porch in a residential neighborhood: it makes the street part of our living space, a place where we can see each other, enjoy more chance meetings, and sustain our connection to each other better than we ever can from behind our walls.
I've had my grumbles about Stadium's occasionally redneck signage (work on your marketing, folks), but I am pleased to see them contributing positively to Madison's public space.
The Year in Review, oh, and Merry Christmas!
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I used to be against Winter Wonderland at Falls Park but I have to admit,
the pics on my bike this year have been good, so I guess I am okay with the
city ...
7 hours ago
In Boston and New York there are sidewalk extensions of restaurants and bars, but the walls of the firm literally open up allowing people to flow out from the building. The area is typically gated and covered with a canopy. Very charming.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if putting some plastic Pamida chairs and a beer awning table on a sidewalk adds anything other than another obstacle to walk around, hoping you don't get harassed by drinking patrons or struck by a sliding chair or tipping umbrella in our fierce South Dakota winds.
The bar should at least not allow glass bottles or glass mugs on the sidewalk. Use plastic bottles and plastic cups for safety and clean-up.
I have eaten at the little sidewalk cafes in Europe and they are charming. I have nothing against a similar setting in downtown Madison if the sidewalks are wide enough to accommodate both them and the people using the sidewalk to actually walk on. My better half said he didn't think there was room when he went by the other day. I haven't seen it yet.
ReplyDelete"I don't know if putting some plastic Pamida chairs and a beer awning table on a sidewalk adds anything..."
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. However, nice chairs and tables would!
It's always good to get people out on the streets and show some life. A few years ago we had a summer intern from Germany. I showed her around Yankton the first morning, and we were standing on Main Street.
ReplyDeleteI didn't notice that there was no one around, but as a visitor she noticed, and she said, "Bernie, is this what you would call a South Dakota ghost town?"