City To Give Local Business a Gift – Free Year of Sidewalk Seating

Last week we learned that local business in downtown Owensboro will have to pay a fee of $250 to use the sidewalks of 2nd Street for tables and chairs reserved for outdoor eating.  There is something great about sitting and eating outside on a warm Spring afternoon and a cool Summer evening.  The city is now going to waive this fee for one year making the fee due on January 1st of 2015.

"A few weeks ago, when John Condray and Rosemary Conder met with you on behalf of a WADI merchants suffering from the (wonderful) improvements downtown, they were asked if anything could help lessen the financial losses suffered.  While we appreciate the positive encouragement and progress, 2013  has been a very difficult year."  This was an email to the mayor that Rosemary Condor sent.  Condor is the Chairwoman of the downtown booster group.

Basically the proposal of the fee would be $250 per year as well as a $75 renewal fee.  The sidewalks will be wider on the south side of Second between St. Ann and Allen streets as well as the north side of Second between Allen and Daviess streets.

Seems like a great Christmas gift to the local businesses here in Owensboro!