I love outdoor seating, see Lunch Al Fresco from last month, but I also think public sidewalks should remain passable. Achieving both requires effort to create an ideal balance. When the downtown grocery store Culinaria first opened in August 2009 there was a good balance, but over time the walkability was sacrificed in favor of twice as many tables & chairs. Take a look:
When Culinaria opened in August 2009 bikes were the biggest obstacle on the sidewalkThere was even a nice planter.Over the years the number of tables & chairs doubled! The remaining sidewalk was so narrow people had to walk single file the entire city block. Photo from June 2013In November 2013 the tables & chairs were pushed aside for winter, not done in prior winters. The sidewalk was again clear. except for the occasional bike perpendicular to the curb.On the afternoon of March 18, 2014 I spotted the chairs pulled back out like they’d been in prior years. Thirty minutes later I emailed this plc to the new store manager, starting a dialog.On April 4th the many tables were still being pulled out too farApril 10th, our dialog continuedBy April 16th nearly half the tables & chairs were removed and placed on pallets along the Locust Street sideApril 24th there were fewer tables & chairs but they were still using the same amount of sidewalkThis May 2nd photo shows the tables & chairs still taking up nearly as much space as a bikeMay 6th no improvement in the sidewalk, but the manager says they’ve received compliments for reducing the number of tables & chairs
I was glad to see fewer tables, but I knew they could be arranged better. Also, the remaining tables were the larger round tables that seat four, the smaller rectangle tables for two were gone. I think I’ve convinced them to remove a couple more round tables and bring back four of the rectangular tables. This will give another option for customers while maintaining the same seat count. The seating area, and sidewalk, are now more generous and comfortable for everyone.
Yesterday the round tables were positioned as we discussed. The 4 rectangular tables weren’t yet added back as of yesterday.
A simple matter of enacting (or enforcing) public way regulations for sidewalk cafés. The standard seemed to be six feet width of uninterrupted sidewalk clearance the length of the cafe area, including street elements such as planters, hydrants newspaper boxes, etc.
I have to review cafe applications in CHI all the time. That city’s regs go even further, requiring the cafe footprint to be enclosed by wood/metal dividers. Also, at least 50% of the divider must have planters/flower beds on it.
I beg to differ, but even in the June 2013 photo, it doesn’t look like the sidewalk is so narrow that people have to walk single file. There is clearly enough room for someone to be walking to the right of the woman in the picture.
I grew up in New York and access to stores basements were through metal grates on the sidewalk. When deliveries took place, the sidewalk was a lot more restricted than in your photos.
When people are seated at the chairs they consume more space, plus the street signs take up space forcing pedestrians away from the curb, I use that sidewalk 5-7 days per week, I’ve lived it for years.
AARP Livibility Index
The Livability Index scores neighborhoods and communities across the U.S. for the services and amenities that impact your life the most
Built St. Louis
historic architecture of St. Louis, Missouri – mourning the losses, celebrating the survivors.
Geo St. Louis
a guide to geospatial data about the City of St. Louis
A simple matter of enacting (or enforcing) public way regulations for sidewalk cafés. The standard seemed to be six feet width of uninterrupted sidewalk clearance the length of the cafe area, including street elements such as planters, hydrants newspaper boxes, etc.
I have to review cafe applications in CHI all the time. That city’s regs go even further, requiring the cafe footprint to be enclosed by wood/metal dividers. Also, at least 50% of the divider must have planters/flower beds on it.
I beg to differ, but even in the June 2013 photo, it doesn’t look like the sidewalk is so narrow that people have to walk single file. There is clearly enough room for someone to be walking to the right of the woman in the picture.
I grew up in New York and access to stores basements were through metal grates on the sidewalk. When deliveries took place, the sidewalk was a lot more restricted than in your photos.
When people are seated at the chairs they consume more space, plus the street signs take up space forcing pedestrians away from the curb, I use that sidewalk 5-7 days per week, I’ve lived it for years.
It’s much worse trying to walk in the Central West End around Euclid and Maryland.