I haven't sat through the proceedings and hearings. I haven't even watched the council meeting yet. But I can't understand the Council's decision to reject his application for serving alcohol, as reported in today's Daily News.
At-large Councilor Tom Jones expressed concern about tables moving onto the public way on Inn Street. At-large Councilor Kathleen O'Connor Ives questioned access to Inn Street for commercial and public safety vehicles.
She said yesterday she was against approving Oregano's application that called for flower pots as a barrier to the tables by the public. The barriers must be strong enough that the wind can't knock them over, she said, and light enough to move easily and quickly in case of an emergency.
She also had reservations about the size of the tables, which were too big and encroached onto the property owned by the Newburyport Redevelopment Authority, O'Connor Ives said.
She said the Oregano application was also more complicated than Port Tavern or Agave, as a new doorway would also have to be constructed in order to allow the restaurant staff a clear view to the outdoor tables.Unless the owner of Oregano's was being completely inflexible in the size of the tables or the size of barriers, I don't see how this makes sense.
Wind will knock them over? Any wind strong enough to knock over a giant potted plant would make outside service impossible.
Emergency Vehicles? First, there are two or three built-in wooden barriers blocking vehicle access to Inn Street. No emergency personnel - short of a cop on a bike or Segway - is getting through there. Also, why on earth wouldn't a fire truck or ambulance park at Central Parking if they needed to access the central part of the pedestrian walkspace.
Table size? The owner of Oregano's seemed floored by the decision. This leads me to question whether any told him the tables were too large or the barriers were too....whatever. Seems like these conditions could have been met to allow for approval.
Doorway? Could the council just add a condition that the doorway be installed. And if it isn't - say within 30 days - the permission is revoked. OR, just threaten not to issue approval again next year. (Add: OR let Oregano's install a closed circuit camera ala NPD.)
Kudos to Councillor Bob Cronin for getting it right.
Ward 3 Councilor Bob Cronin said the councilors heard of no opposition to the proposal by the fire chief or police marshal.
"I walk downtown a lot; that's a wide area," he said. "I know it's a little bit funky, but I think in the long run, it's a positive to the community, cafe-style dining. I think everybody loves it in the summer. As long as fire and police don't have any public safety issue, I would still support it."
Cronin noted that the applications are granted on an annual basis and would need to be renewed each summer. They also can be revoked.
"We can look at it and say it isn't working," he said. "At least we can try. I think it's going to be a huge draw to the city."Look, all I know is what I read in the paper and see walking downtown. Maybe there is more to the story. But the council is demonstrating some shoddy play from the cheap seats.
