Question 8 for Saline City Council Candidates: How Should The City Handle Sidewalk Cafes

The city has been criticized for not following its own ordinance when granting sidewalk cafe permits, specifically at Brecon Grille, where some seniors and people with disabilities say the cafe makes the sidewalk unsafe. What should the city do?

John Heller

Enforce the ordinance. There is simply no excuse for a governmental entity to refuse to follow the law, especially when the governing body of that entity passed the law in the first place. If the council really believes that the ordinance should not be enforced, it should do the honorable thing and repeal it.

Linda TerHaar

A number of differing rules, regulations, precedents, and interests have been cited as applicable in this case. The city should consider all factors when considering future permit applications.

Jim Peters

Before I answer I need the history of this dispute. What past agreements were made between the city and Brecon Grille? What sketches were submitted and approved? Is part of the sidewalk under the jurisdiction of MDOT or is it all city sidewalk? Hopefully a little compromise can ease this situation.

Jim Roth

The city should enforce all ordinances and keep the safety of the citizens and visitors the top priority. Sidewalk cafes should not overtake ones safety and be exempt from city ordinances.