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Politics & Government

Outdoor Seating: Complicating a Simple Issue

Current discussion shows a need for common sense and separation of authority.

We need government.

Without it, chaos would be the rule of the day. Order is needed for society to flourish.  We establish governments to create the order we require. Sometimes, it seems that those we have elected choose instead to create chaos and confusion.

Elective bodies are required to deliberate on issues prior to rendering decisions. These deliberations often involve public input. Citizens can weigh in through phone calls, emails, and by attending public meetings or by participation on a voluntary board. 

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Sometimes, councilors can be overwhelmed and have their decision making affected by the vigor and vitriol of the negative communications. This is unfortunate, because those who make the most noise do not always make the most sense.

Eventually, the time comes to make a decision. All factors must be considered at that point. The public input is only a part of that.

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Should the City Council listen to those who yelled the loudest or to those who made their point respectfully and moved on? Should we only grease the squeaky wheel or should we clean and grease them all with an even hand?

In the case of outdoor seating, it seems that some members of the City Council are just concerned with the squeaky wheel.

Outdoor seating for restaurants in Salem has become a prime example of this. How could such a positive feature of downtown Salem become such a point of contention?

Restaurants in Salem have been serving patrons outdoors, sometimes on city-owned property, since the early 1980s. The dining boom of the last 10 years has resulted in more widespread use of this concept. Salem is not unique in seeing an increase in al fresco dining. Boston, Newburyport, Portsmouth, N.H. and Portland, Maine are a few of the many communities who have embraced the idea.

All of the businesses that serve food outdoors pay for city services through direct billing and through taxes. Those who visit the restaurants pay a Salem tax that appears on their bill. It is hard to see a negative in this for the city.

In 1962, the Salem Redevelopment Authority (SRA) was formed by the City Council. It was seen as a way to remove some of the decision making process from an overburdened council that too frequently responded only to those who yelled the loudest. The goal was to make decisions based on what was seen as best for the entire city, and not what was best for only a street, precinct, or ward. One of the responsibilities given to the SRA by the council was permitting for outdoor seating in the downtown (B-5) district.

This has worked out well for us. The downtown and its restaurants are thriving. The main issues, as a result, are those of traffic control, crowd noise and parking. These are the problems a good vibrant business district wants. It means the people have come and you have succeeded.

at is a problem that needs to be addressed. It is also a problem that could have and should have been avoided during the permitting process. Questions should have been asked and answered prior to approval. I am sure a good compromise plan would have resulted. 

The Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission seems to have told Salem one thing and Cambridge another in regard to having a sidewalk intersecting a public seating area. Why should they have any say in this at all? Let the Tavern keep their patio and let the public use the sidewalk.

The City Council works hard and long hours. They are performing on point when it comes to dealing with public complaint and commentary. That is a part of the job. Taking the responsibility for outdoor dining from the SRA would just add to that workload.

Be careful what you wish for; you just may get it.

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