Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/203490
Sarasota News Leader November 1, 2013 Page 19 when it was an office property. It did not antic- EXPANSION OF SIDEWALK ipate the ability of a land owner to change the USES SUPPORTED use of their building." The DID board also was asked to get the ball Trying to keep the deal alive, Kauffman rolling on additional legal uses for downtown pointed out, "There's plenty of blame to go sidewalks. Right now, a café permit allows an around. Our oversight was incorrect; his over- establishment to serve food, and, if it has the sight was incorrect. It was our project, and appropriate license, alcohol as well. But the we should pay to correct it. This is a way of current ordinance is clear: No kitchen means helping him." no café permit and no tables and chairs on the sidewalk. Moran was quick to note, "He will pay $5,670 out of his own pocket. We cannot legally reim- Two unlikely allies are seeking to change that. burse him for that." The Gator Bar and its neighbor, Parker Books, would like to provide sidewalk tables. For DID Chairman Ernie Ritz and Mannausa Gator patrons, the space would enable them said some formal agreement was necessary. to enjoy wine, beer or a highball outdoors. Mannausa added, "This letter sets a preceFor Parker customers, the purpose is to allow dent, and other [property] owners could use games of chess or backgammon outside. it. I support this resolution." Ritz was more For those scenarios to become possible, an blunt: "The alternative is not acceptable." overhaul of the existing ordinance is required. Kauffman made a motion for the DID to pay for changes to the engineering plan for the "Do we allow drinking without dining?" asked traffic circle to include four additional park- City Engineer Alex Davis-Shaw. "The city ing spaces on Orange Avenue. "These are not attorney would have to revise the ordinance; his spaces," noted Kauffman of Fineberg. The then, there would be public hearings. It would probably take a few months." motion passed unanimously. Downtown Improvement District board members have said a bid for new lighting in Five Points Park is too high. Photo by Norman Schimmel