Town Board will discuss extending outdoor sidewalk cafes and outdoor seating on Tuesday during our work session.
SHOULD THE TOWN BOARD ALLOW OUTDOOR SIDEWALK CAFES AND OUTDOOR SEATING AT RESTAURANTS?
An article in the Hudson Independent (see link below) indicated that the Village of Tarrytown is set to take action to continue outdoor dining this spring. I have asked the Greenburgh Town Board to discuss taking similar action --allowing all restaurants to offer outdoor seating options for their customers. I have asked that this be placed on the agenda of the Town Board work session this Tuesday.
Prior to the pandemic there was no outdoor sidewalk cafes and outdoor seating at restaurants. The Hartsdale Parking district gave up some parking spots to make it possible for E Hartsdale Ave restaurants to offer restaurant customers this service --which, in my opinion, added character to the downtown area and helped many of the restaurants survive. It's enjoyable sitting outdoors, taking advantage of the nice weather and observing people walk to and from different local shops and restaurants.
There are downsides to any action we take. Loss of revenue from the fewer parking meters is one. But, if restaurant customers eat on the Avenue they will have to park in the garage -generating some revenue and offsetting the parking space losses. Without outdoor seating these customers might eat at restaurants in other communities. Another complaint: some cars double parked on the Avenue --creating traffic issues.
I think the pluses outweigh the negative. And, believe that the Town Board should again authorize outdoor dining options to restaurants in Greenburgh. And hope that the change would be permanent. What do you think? If you like the idea of outdoor dining do you have suggestions so restaurants and the town can do this better? It's important that we do whatever we can to help our local businesses and restaurants survive. Eliminating the outdoor dining could result in the loss of additional restaurants.
E mail townboard@greenburghny.com. The Board will start the discussion this Tuesday at our work session.
https://thehudsonindependent.com/tarrytown-set-to-take-action-to-enhance-outdoor-dining/
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
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