Main Street Director Charles Williams says tonight’s vote by city council to allow sidewalk dining will help Roanoke Rapids as efforts continue to improve Roanoke Avenue.
City council, with Greg Lawson absent, unanimously approved the measure on a motion by Suetta Scarbrough. Scarbrough amended her motion to make a $150 permit fee for restaurants a onetime $100 fee after Williams and chamber President Allen Purser objected to the permit during a public comment section before the vote.
Outdoor dining will be allowed in the B-1 and B-4 zoning districts, including the entertainment district.
Planning and Development Director Amanda Jarratt explained the $150 permit, which had previously been proposed to be $500, was a fee to account for staff time to monitor the use of the ordinance and make sure restaurants complied, especially with alcohol being served. The ordinance does not allow outdoor bars and patrons must be served at their tables.
City Manager Paul Sabiston explained the fee also covers time police patrol to make sure everyone complies. He said not having the fee would mean restaurants which don’t have outdoor dining would subsidize those which do.
Mayor Emery Doughtie countered he didn’t believe the restaurants which would have outdoor dining would present problems. “The other thing that concerns me is permitting, that’s what you guys are paid to do.”
Williams said during the public comment section, “I’m glad you got it to the point you can vote on it.”
Williams said restaurants already face many fees, including ABC licenses, recycling and others. “To add another fee seems arbitrary.”
Said Purser: “When you add on fees, it causes businesses to think about other places. You’ve been working on outdoor dining for about four years. In these economic times you can’t do that (add on fees).”
Jarratt said before restaurants could begin outdoor dining, an encroachment agreement would have to be signed with the state Department of Transportation.
Following the meeting, Williams said he was pleased with the decision. “The big thing is not the fees. The big thing is it got passed.
Williams believes the measure is a positive step for the Roanoke Avenue Business Alliance, “To make Roanoke Avenue as vibrant as it can be.”
With very few restaurants on the avenue now, Williams said the alliance can use the passing of this ordinance in recruiting new business. “It’s one more piece of the puzzle.”
In other matters:
Council welcomed local Cub Scouts to the meeting.
Passed a resolution of legislative goals. They include:
Opposing Interstate 95 tolling.
Highway 158 improvements including making the highway four lanes from Interstate 85 to Jackson.
Economic development.
Halifax-Northampton Regional Airport.
Interstate 95 service road and bridge.
Alignment of Becker Drive and Country Club Road in Weldon.
Support legislation to prevent a moratorium on current annexation laws.
Financial support for the Roanoke Rapids Theatre.
