BOSTON (WHDH) - Residents of Boston’s North End who are fed up with crowding on sidewalks caused by outdoor dining are calling on city officials to find a way to alleviate the congestion.
Many residents voiced frustration with the pandemic-era outdoor dining program during a meeting Monday night, saying the table-lined sidewalks have forced them to walk through traffic and given first responders a hard time getting to the people who need help.
“There’s pros and cons. It’s nice because the restaurants are getting back to the business that they lost, which is great,” said North End resident Holly Marcus who was enjoying a meal outdoors Tuesday. “Then again, the streets are small. Either you can’t walk on the sidewalk, or the safety vehicles can’t get through.”
The biggest concern for most — finding parking.
“I get it helps restaurant businesses out but at the same time, there is nowhere to park as it is,” neighborhood resident Nicholas Turco said of Boston’s outdoor dining. “They got to do a little better with this.”
Area restaurant owners say outdoor dining has helped with their economic recovery because it has allowed them to attract larger crowds.
In May, Boston Mayor Kim Janey said her administration will work to make expanded outdoor dining a long-term staple in her city.
City officials have vowed to improve the outdoor dining experience for all residents.
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