CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Plans to extend beefed up outdoor dining in Chicago beyond the pandemic are stalled in a City Council committee over issues of control.
The Administration and some City Council members are at odds over who has the final say when a restaurant wants an outdoor dining license-the ones that keeps some eateries alive during COVID. Aldermen want the power of approval.
Most like other provisions in the proposed ordinance. City Transportation Commissioner Gia Biagi explained that in some cases the outdoor tables might not block the sidewalks. She said the ordinance allows the use of the so-called curb lanes, between the sidewalk and the traffic, for tables, leaving the sidewalk clear for pedestrians.
For now, the proposal remains in the Transportation committee while the control issues are hammered out.
Sam Toia, President of the Illinois Restaurant Association is anxious to see the expanded permits for outdoor dining in Chicago continue next year, because the flexibility helped many restaurants survive the pandemic.
"Extended outdoor dining allows restaurants to serve more people, hire more staff and expand business," he said.
"Having a popular patio, beer garden or sidewalk cafe makes a business more attractive to Chicagoans and tourists alike."
However, Aldermen like the 35th Ward's Carlos Ramirez-Rosa object to the Administration taking Aldermanic veto power away when an eatery seeks a license where some community people don't want it.
"I do believe that this requires some more time," he said. "I concur with the sentiment of our colleague Alderman Brendan Reilly."
So, for now, the measure is stalled in committee.
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