CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A popular Clark Street outdoor dining program is out after pushback from the community and nearby union restaurants.
Mayor Brandon Johnson's outdoor dining program allowed eateries to expand seating onto sidewalks, streets and parking lots and one of the most popular ones was the Clark Street Dining Program.
However, groups and unions like River North Residents Association and the Chicago Federation of Labor lobbied against the program, citing concerns of traffic congestion and public safety, according to Block Club Chicago.
Letters obtained by Block Club were sent to Mayor Brandon Johnson in May.
“We are not opposed to all street closures for outdoor dining, but have concerns about closures on major arterial roads like Clark Street, even on a temporary 2-3 month basis,” wrote Eileen Murray and Debra Schalk, co-presidents of the River North Residents Association.
Harry Caray's is located a block away from the restaurants on Clark Street and was one of the eateries opposed to the extended outdoor dining.
"I promised to review future proposals to close Clark Street with a very narrow focus on traffic and safety, especially given the anticipated opening of the temporary casino at Medinah Temple," 42nd ward alderman Brendan Reilly wrote in a letter to Grant DePorter, CEO of Harry Caray's Restaurant Group.
City officials deny the program was discontinued, but Reilly told restaurants future requests to shut down Clark Street would likely be denied.
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram I TikTok