The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
“It’s a trial balloon”
It may feel like summer is fading but a new addition to the summer scene will get a trial run for the rest of the season. Those who want to enjoy a bite and a drink outside on Elk Avenue could get their opportunity, starting this week.
The Crested Butte Town Council on Monday approved the process for local restaurants to apply for a revocable license allowing them to serve food and drink on Elk Avenue outside their restaurant.
“I look at this as a trial balloon for the year and we can make adjustments for next spring,” Crested Butte building and zoning director Bob Gillie told the council. The trial will go until October 15.
Basically, local businesses with the proper area in front of their establishments will be able to place some tables on the Elk Avenue sidewalk. The area will have to be cordoned off and the tables will have to be brought in when the business closes each night, but the idea is to get some more activity in the heart of the business district.
The idea germinated with a council economic development brainstorming session in the spring and came to fruition with the persistent urging of local attorney David Leinsdorf, who felt a sidewalk café feel in town would help spur business and add energy to Elk Avenue.
“I think this seems reasonable,” said mayor Leah Williams. “We tried to cover as many bases as we could think of, but I am sure more details will be worked out after we try it.’
“Let’s just give the heads-up to businesses that it is a trial run and they shouldn’t spend a lot of money before everything falls into place,” said councilperson Dan Escalante.
“My guess is the businesses will under-do it rather than over-do it this year,” responded Gillie.
The council voted to allow the idea and interested businesses could be serving people outside by the middle of the month.
