1996-10-07 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

17! Mr. Cox said that he would be interested in entertaining alternatives that would include all interested parties. Mr. Stan Epstein, owner of the Hardware Store Restaurant, said that a key feature of his investment on the downtown mall was the possibility of having an outdoor cafe. Mr. Epstein noted that there is a fire lane problem with the space directly in front of his restaurant. In response to a question about the feasibility of sharing the space, Mr. Epstein noted that the Summerhouse was moved to prevent it from blocking the Milgram Building, and he has considerable investment in ihe wiring of the structure. Mr~ O'Connell said that staff could contact the owner of SyMa's to see if they are serious about a cafe. Ms. Richards said she feels Council should consider some sort of turnover policy as there are likely to be conflicts in the future. In the meantime, and in the absence of another application, Ms. Richards said she does not fee! it would be fair to deny the permit based on supposition. Mr. Cox made a motion to table the matter until October 14th, and Ms. Daugherty seconded the motion. Ms. Richards said she feels that Council should stay with the current procedure until it is changed. Mr. Toscano agreed that Council should operate on the basis of the current procedure, and said he would prefer to move forward and vote on the matterl The motion to table the matter was denied by the following vote. Ayes: Mr. Cox and Ms. Daugherty. Noes: Ms. Richards, Ms. Slaughter, Mr. Toscano. On motion by Ms. Richards, seconded by Mr. Toscano, the resolution approving the cafe permit for the Hardware Store Restaurant was approved by the following vote. Ayes; Ms. Daugherty, Ms. Richards, Ms. Slaughter, Mr. Toscano. Noes: Mr. Cox. WItEREAS, the Rockford Corporation has applied to City Council for a permit to operate an outdoor cafe on the pedestrian mall at 316 East Main Street in connection with the operation of its duly licensed restaurant (Hardware Store Restaurant); and WltEREAS, this Council finds that the proposed outdoor cafe is in keeping with the intent of the pedestrian mall, can add significantly to successful commerce in the downtown area, will not unreasonably restrict the movement of pedestrian traffic and will not endanger the public health, safety or welfare; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rockford Corporation is hereby granted a permit to operate an outdoor cafe on the pedestrian mall at 316 East Main Street, subject to the following conditions and terms: 1. The permit shall be valid from its adoption (or effective date if different from the date of adoption) until November 30, 1999, for operation of the cafe during the months of March through November. Not later than November 30 of each year, the operator shall remove from public property all furniture and equipment used for such cafe operation. 2. The cafe shall be operated only in the designated area shown on the attached sketch. The cafe shall be in operation only during the hours the restaurant is open. No cafe furnishings or equipment shall be permitted to obstruct any fire lane. The designated area of operation shall be clearly delineated by the use of a combination of trees, fences, planters and barriers.