Jan. 13--Diners craving al fresco meals at restaurants in some congested Chicago neighborhoods could find themselves gazing in the windows of nearby cars by the summer under a plan aldermen will consider Wednesday to allow "curbside cafes."
Restaurants would be allowed to build an eating area in the parking lane from May 1 to Sept. 30 in exchange for paying the company that runs the city's parking meters for any spots taken out of commission in front of the business, and kicking a $600 permit fee to the city.
The idea is being pushed by Ald. Tom Tunney, 44th, and Ald. Michele Smith, 43rd, who represent stretches of Clark Street in Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville where there are lots of restaurants but the sidewalks are too narrow and the strolling crowds too thick for typical outdoor eating areas.
While sidewalk cafes are allowed in Chicago from March 1 to Nov. 30, city lawyer Rose Kelly said restaurants will be allowed to operate in the street during a narrower window in case snowplows need to clear the curb lane.
If the idea proves popular, the curbside cafe ordinance would be the latest example of Chicagoans going to great lengths to enjoy some time outside during the part of the year when the weather isn't miserable.
The city already operates outdoor "people spots," semipermanent public areas for people to sit in parking spaces. Unlike the people spots, which are open to the public, the curbside cafes would be reserved only for diners in the restaurant that runs the location.
The ordinance would relegate the eating areas to parking lanes on blocks with sidewalks 8 feet or narrower. They would not be allowed to extend into bike lanes. They would be allowed to replace up to 40 feet worth of parking spaces. Only one such cafe would be allowed on a given block, and Tunney said a lottery would be held if more than one restaurant applied for the privilege.
jebyrne@tribpub.com
