(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – A popular outdoor dining program is not expected to return this summer in River North, after opposition from neighborhood groups.
The city’s outdoor dining program allowed eateries to expand seating onto sidewalks, streets and parking lots.
One of the most popular ones was the Clark Street dining program.
But groups and unions like River North Residents Association and the Chicago Federation of Labor lobbied against continuation of the program there, citing concerns of traffic congestion and public safety, according to Block Club Chicago.
City officials deny the program was discontinued, but 42nd ward alderman Brendan Reilly told restaurants that future requests to shut down Clark Street would likely be denied. He says that’s Mayor Brandon Johnson’s position – not his.
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