Council debates sidewalk ordinance in marathon session

Some of Bloomington's city sidewalks might get a little wider if a proposed ordinance is passed Wednesday by the Bloomington City Council. The measure might also harm downtown restaurants like the Malibu Grill, which draw business with their outdoor seating.\nThe council met for nearly five hours in a marathon session last Wednesday night, which concluded with input on the proposed encroachment ordinance. Deputy Mayor John McNamara presented the plan, which is designed to "strike a balance between the desire to encourage outdoor seating for restaurants and cafes... and the need for safe and comfortable passage on public sidewalks."\nThe ordinance calls for a clear and straight pathway that allows for safe travel on the sidewalk. A sidewalk will have to be a minimum of 54 inches wide in order to meet the new standard, if it passes. McNamara said that the 54 inches takes into account a scenario in which a wheelchair and a pedestrian can travel simultaneously on the same stretch of sidewalk.\nA preliminary vote garnered two supporters in councilmen Tim Mayer and Tony Pizzo, while Patricia Cole, Chris Gaal, Andy Ruff, David Sabbagh and Jeffrey Willsey all voted to pass until the final vote is taken Wednesday.\nJason Banach voted no and Mike Diekhoff was not present for the vote. Some business owners are worried that the ordinance will force them to restructure their outdoor facilities. Under the new proposal, those restaurants or stores that utilize sidewalks as part of their establishment will have to do whatever is necessary to meet the new standards.\nJohn Bailey, with the Malibu Grill, is concerned that the ordinance will mean a decrease in business.\n"I appreciate the city allowing me to use the sidewalk," he said. "The ordinance as it is currently written would take my fence back two feet, which is the width of the walkway for our servers. It would put an end to full service out in front of the Malibu Grill."\nPublic comment on the proposed encroachment ordinance did not begin until 11:30 p.m., which is why several council members opted to pass.\nIn earlier events, a resolution sponsored by council member Gaal to object to the denial of visas for the residents of Bloomington's sister city in Santa Clara, Cuba to attend a national conference of the U.S.-Cuba Sister City Association, passed 8-0-1, with Sabbagh abstaining.\nThe resolution will be forwarded to members of the Indiana congressional delegation.