The sidewalk solution
In a decision that was equal parts prudence and common sense, the City Council voted to extend sidewalk dining hours in the city from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m.
The council correctly chose not to clamp down on one of the amenities that have made downtown such a pleasant place to be on a warm night.
The council also rightly recognized that downtown has some issues with crime and crowds, but the cause most definitely isn't people having dinner or cocktails at outdoor cafes.
To address those other issues, the council will hold a special briefing session in September.
Good move. The last thing we need city leaders to do is to punish downtown merchants for being successful.
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