Downtown businesses that affect rights of way and their use on Lake and Lucerne Avenues were first issued a letter on August 28 informing them of FDOT's regulations. They were also told about the commission's decision regarding Sidewalk Cafe Use Permits that now must be approved by the Department of Public Services.
All businesses must now apply for a new Sidewalk Cafe Use Permit. If a business has renewed under its old permit, it will be given credit toward the new permit. Strict code enforcement will begin next Friday, December 20. If any business does not have the new permit, it will be cited and receive a formal notice of violation. As of yesterday, not one business had applied for the new permit.
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4 comments:
Restaurants with sidewalk cafe permits think we all should drop over dead for them. It's about time we got some laws that protect others in this city.
I love walking downtown and grabbing a beer or a bit to eat and sitting outside enjoying our lovely south Florida weather. But, I do agree that there should be reasonable amount of space left free for people to walk on our sidewalks.
I find that the pizza place and in front of Dave's are the two tightest spots to walk. I like and patronize both businesses, but it is hard to walk there. Often, at Dave's I end up walking in the street in between the closeness of the tables and the head banging umbrellas.
Brogues refuses to comply and think they have special privledges because Scott Maxwell drinks there almost every night. They have already disgraced Lake Ave for not allowing people in wheelchairs pass by their tables and chairs outside, resulting in a complaint from the ADA. Brogues should be ashamed and should issue a public apoligy to the merchants of Lake and Lucerne Avenues.
I believe that Dave's is the vice mayor's drinking hole of choice.
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