Brian Hagberg
WARREN, Pa. – One of the byproducts of the COVID pandemic has been both the adaptation by restaurants to expand seating options and people’s willingness to embrace the concept of outdoor dining.
During its regular meeting Monday night, Warren City Council unanimously approved a proposal that gives downtown Warren restaurants on Second and Pennsylvania Avenues the option to increase outdoor seating in front of their business.
“I think right now given Warren’s economic climate, we have a responsibility to do whatever we can to try to grow our businesses,” Councilman John Wortman said.
The tables and chairs currently on the sidewalks are owned and placed by the city. This action gives those restaurants the option to purchase additional tables and chairs, with city approval, that they can also reserve for use by their patrons.
“I think it would be good for the downtown,” The Plaza owner James Douvlos said. “I mean, this would actually create one more job for another server.”
“The passing of this proposal will enable additional economic development for our city,” Councilman Doug Hearn said.
After some debate, Council determined that any additional outdoor options would need to be similar to those placed by the city and must have approval from the City DPW prior to purchase.
“It’s getting to be much more common to sit outside,” Mayor Maurice Cashman said. “I think it’s something that has come to the United States in the northeast, more restaurants are thinking outside service, and people are enjoying it.”
CITY MANAGER GETS CONTRACT EXTENSION
Council also unanimously approved a contract extension for City Manager Nancy Freenock. The agreement between the city and Freenock now extends until Dec. 31, 2024.
