DAYTON — Mayor Whaley says she will not allow Dayton restaurants to expand their patios by using parking lots or closing down streets for more room. News Center 7′s Mike Campbell spoke to other local leaders that say they will.
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"We wanted to be proactive and support the businesses as they continue to open," Rob Schommer, Huber Heights City Manager.
Schommer says the city is trying to help the dozens of restaurants in Huber serve as many customers as they can under state safety guidelines, and are fast-tracking approvals of temporary patio extensions, even into parking lots where it’s appropriate.
Expanded patio permits approved by zoning inspectors will be good for 180 days and will allow restaurants to serve more customers until the state allows inside seating.
"It shouldn't be controversial, no one has to go but we want to make sure those that want to go have the option," Huber Heights Mayor Jeff Gore said.
Dayton’s Mayor says she won’t be approving patio expansions.
“This does not look like a decisions made by health indicators,” Mayor Nan Whaley said. She believes state leaders are rushing restaurant re-openings.
"I think, better safe than sorry, we don't have a parking lot to expand into but we're lucky enough to have two patios," said Brandi Perrine, Genreal manager of Salar Restaurant.
Salar will have eight tables available even when social distancing and are happy to be open, even though the mayor doesn't believe enough coronavirus testing is in place to avoid potential problems.
Other neighboring cities, like Lebanon will be closing Mulberry Street Friday at 4 p.m. until Sunday evening in downtown so that restaurants may expand their outdoor seating.
The City of Piqua will be placing picnic tables downtown for outdoor dining beginning Thursday.
"This isn't a random thought process, it's about getting our systems in place," Mayor Whaley said.
Mayor Whaley says she doesn’t want to see a problem force a restaraunt to shut its doors again just days after doing all the work to reopen.