Several years ago, after Starbuck's opened on the Square, it requested, and received, permission to create outdoor seating on the public sidewalk.
On a recent visit to the Square, I noticed that Starbuck's has placed tables and chairs on both sides of the sidewalk in front of its business. One row is against the front window of the business, and a second row has been placed against the railing that separates the sidewalk from the vehicle parking spaces at the curb.
This second row of tables results in there being a narrow passageway for pedestrians on the public sidewalk. The space, while not measured this morning, appears to be about six feet wide. And, when customers of Starbuck's sit sideways to the table, their legs extend even into that "free" space.
Should a pedestrian have to step around a customer who is slouched in his chair and blocking the sidewalk right-of-way? I suspect that few pedestrians say anything to the seated customer, and even fewer probably step on his toes. "Ohhhhh, excuuuuuse me, I didn't see your feet..."
Let's continue to attract pedestrians and shoppers to the Square, and let's not allow a few unthinking latte-drinkers to create a subliminal message that Woodstock is less than a friendly place.
The City has been asked for a copy of the Special Use Resolution passed by the City Council that grants permission for Starbuck's to use the City sidewalk (public right-of-way) for business purposes. I'm fairly sure that the "free" space is defined in the Resolution.
© 2008 GUS PHILPOTT
1 comment:
The City furnished a copy of Resolution Number 00-R-09 very quickly, and it provides for only four feet of passage for pedestrian traffic, hardly room for two people to meet and pass.
It also provides that chairs and tables be provided in a single row in order to allow ... for pedestrian traffic. This raises an interesting point. Are two (single) rows permitted? OK, so I won't ask the City, which already pays plenty to the out-sourced office of the City Attorney.
Post a Comment