With snowy weather today, it’s tough to think about temporary outdoor seating, but Saratoga Springs is considering it now. The city council will take up the matter at their March 2 meeting.
Temporary outdoor seating is different than its "sidewalk cafe" cousin. Where sidewalk cafes can operate under license with the city every year, temporary outdoor seating was born of COVID last year, Maire Masterson explained in an interview today. She is the deputy commissioner for Accounts in the city.
When restaurants faced 50% capacity limits under New York State COVID restrictions, the city allowed some restaurants to replace the inside dining space with outdoor seating on the sidewalks along Broadway or in parking spaces along Lower Caroline, Phila and Henry Streets. Jersey walls protected diners from traffic.
“We are allowing these restaurants to use city streets to expand their dining footage,” up to their normal capacity, Masterson said. The restaurants still must follow city code, state law and liquor regulations.
Almost 20 restaurants asked for the extra space last year, and two or three have already asked to expand again this year, officials said.
[See our previous coverage here and here.]
The current plan is to open the city to temporary outdoor seating on March 15 and let it run until June 30, at which time the city can take it month-by-month, Masterson said.
Permits are required for any business that wants to expand outside, but businesses that used the sidewalks last year will have little trouble getting a permit this year.
"We really want to support our downtown businesses,” Masterson said, but, "Everything has to do with the track.”
The Saratoga Racetrack has released its meet schedule for 2020--the Travers runs August 28 for the 152nd time--but withheld details on the prospect of fans. Last year the entire meet took place without fans in the stands, clubhouse or lawn.
Under current guidelines, the track can open but only at 10% of capacity. Those regulations could easily change in the next five months. The New York Racing Association press release said they will offer more information on attendance and tickets as it becomes available.
As well, SPAC, could have an effect, but officials there, too, are watching their words. A statement from SPAC's president said in part, "We look forward to working with [the governor's] administration as reopening continues so we can once again welcome audiences back to SPAC in 2021 in accordance with all applicable health and safety protocols."
Both Masterson and Commissioner of Accounts John Franck said the June 30 limit gives the city a chance to shut the program down if tourists fill sidewalks and streets.