Opinion

By Phil Orlandella

More outdoor dining on the horizon

Outdoor dining in the North End was a two-year pilot program, that was opposed by residents each year to no avail.

Now that the program has been completed, residents are of the opinion that 2022 was the last year of outdoor dining in the community.

However, there is currently a city ordinance on the books that allow for outdoor dining on private property including sidewalks that several restaurants have used for some years now.

It appears, the City of Boston is seeking to amend this ordinance to include street use as well.

That is why the city is seeking community comments and advise before any attempt to change the ordinance goes forward.

The last two times around, the same strategy to stop the program did not work. It will not work this time either.

Unless residents have the clout to stop the ordinance from being amended, outdoor dining will return to the community in some way or form.

Restaurants have always been a fixture in the community and a major attraction for dining. They provide a major source of revenue to the city and create jobs.

Many of them support local organizations with donations that serve the community.