Select Board Weighs Banning Outdoor Dining In Downtown Parking

The Select Board is considering a ban on outdoor dining that uses downtown parking spaces. Members disagree about whether a limited supply of parking and concerns about fairness to nearby businesses justify such a restriction; the board began crafting a proposal and held an initial discussion late last month after restaurant owners raised the issue several months earlier.

Outdoor dining began downtown during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearby business owners said the dining setups removed parking spaces used by their customers. Chair Michael Dougherty said prohibiting dining in parking spots would address an unfair advantage and reduce pressure on limited parking, while Vice Chair Carl Nylen questioned whether there is a parking problem and said town data shows available spaces. The board discussed a May 1–Oct. 31 outdoor dining season, keeping sidewalks accessible, and charging fees; member Linda Alexson said she supports fees. Dougherty said he plans to work with the town manager to draft a policy and then seek feedback from residents and business owners before a vote. This post first appeared on The Local News.