As restaurant operators struggle with space, a mayoral emergency order is loosening restrictions for outdoor dining and could turn many sidewalks, parking lots, and downtown streets into open-air cafes, according to a Capital Timesreport.
The “Streatery Restaurant Recovery Program” allows restaurants to use street parking spots for tables and chairs and will be in effect until Oct. 25. The process for applying for outdoor dining has been streamlined and fees have been waived.
Additionally, the city has named several blocks that could be “cafe zones.” These include the 100 block of East Mifflin Street, the 100 block of East Main Street, and the 1900 block of Atwood Avenue.
