3rd WDBA Open House - Wed. 7PM

The third open house of the Woodstock Downtown Business Association will be this Wednesday at 7:00PM. That's September 24. This is an opportunity to learn what the WDBA is doing and what it wants to do.

The public is invited. In fact, for there to be a strong partnership between the Association, the downtown business community, and the People of Woodstock, the WDBA wants the People - that's you and me - to be there. Ask questions about the application for the Illinois Main Street program.

Individuals and families can join the WDBA, not just businesses. And the fees are low. So, come on down...

The WDBA offices are located on Main Street, just north of the parking lot from the movie theater.

The sidewalks ought to be safer for pedestrians, now that Woodstock has a new ordinance that prohibits bicycle riding and skateboards on the sidewalks of the streets around the Square and leading to the Square. If the signs aren't up yet, they should be up soon.

Starbuck's Outdoors Seating

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