Sidewalk café idea takes a step forward

Get Euro on Elk

The idea of a sidewalk café atmosphere on Elk Avenue got a general thumbs-up from members of the Crested Butte Town Council Monday evening, but no definitive timeline was set to move in that direction.

Local attorney David Leinsdorf had broached the idea during a community business forum hosted last week by the council and town staff. At Monday’s regular council meeting, Leinsdorf again urged the council to give the idea a try and even presented them with a possible tweaking of their ordinances that would allow it to happen.
“I’ve done some measurements to see if the idea is feasible and in the 100 block of Elk the sidewalks are more narrow,” he said. “But in the 200 and 300 blocks, the area is certainly wide enough to have the bars and restaurants cordon off a small area to put out tables and chairs to serve food and drinks. There is 15 or 16 feet between the curb and the buildings. If tables are placed against the building, they only take up about five feet and there is plenty of space for pedestrians to get around.
“On a night like this, it is apparent why we all live here and why people come here,” Leinsdorf continued. “To get away from the three digit temperatures and be able to sit outside on Elk Avenue is a real treat.”
Leinsdorf cited the feel of a European city in his argument to allow such outside seating in the town’s business core. “It creates a great ambiance and is a huge attraction in Europe and some places in the United States. It is a big draw,” he said.
He proposed changing the town parking and tap fee ordinances to allow “seasonal expansion” of outdoor seating between May 1 and October 30 without having to pay additional parking and tap fees. He suggested the town then deal with the expansions by issuing licenses to each individual business. “It can be done quickly and I hope you guys will push for it for the second half of the summer,” he said. “It is an easy and inexpensive way to do it.”
The council all agreed sidewalk seating might be worth trying but weren’t sure of the timing.
“I’m open to it,” said councilperson Dan Escalante. “I like the idea.”
While giving a nod of approval, councilperson Jim Schmidt said some areas of the sidewalks could be problematic.
“Let’s have the staff look at the issues and bring this back to us,” suggested mayor Leah Williams.
“Maybe we draft a letter outlining the idea and send it to all the businesses on Elk,” said councilperson Phoebe Wilson. “Some of the shops next to a restaurant might not like it so we should find that out up front.”
“I think that if a restaurant is interested, they will pursue it,” Escalante said. “We will look at each site individually.”
“I like the idea of making the neighbors aware,” said Williams. “It gives us a chance to vet the idea with the business community.”
“I want to keep it simple,” chimed in councilperson John Wirsing.
The staff was directed to look at the idea and report back to the council but no timeline was given.
The staff was also instructed to again consider some changes to the town’s sign code. Local businessman and former King of Soul Arvin Ram of Rumor’s Coffee and Tea House asked the council to consider allowing larger signs and chalkboard signs that could be used on two sides instead of just one.
The council asked the staff to investigate and report back to the board. Again, no timeline was given.