Saw an article in the paper about Jackson removing all al fresco dining "parklets". The arguments against them seem way off base to me.
-The businesses have been paying a reduced rate to take up parking spaces 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The article compared the rate the restaurants pay to what construction crews pay. No one seemed to acknowledge that only one of these things does everyone in town hate because it creates noise pollution, air pollution, unsightliness, remind you you aren't in the 1%, etc. The town said okay let's make them pay the same as the construction companies in the next proposal -- but that then failed for the below reasons.
-It is unfair to businesses that do not have parking spots in front to turn into al fresco dining, or which are on streets which town does not control the parking spots. Cry me a river. When was the government tasked with ensuring a perfectly fair playing field based on foot traffic, public parking, your neighbor tenants, or a million other factors that affect a property and the business within? The town is changing, A LOT, the world isn't going to end if we make al fresco dining permanent.
-The last one really gets me. Opponents say that town is too busy, and we need more parking spots not fewer. Al fresco dining currently takes up 19 parking spots in town, out of thousands. The parking garage sits there empty, famously, compared to surface streets. Probably because people don't envision coming to The Last of The Old West and parking like its NYC, but also by design that people are encouraged to park within a few feet of where they want to get out and shoot content in front of the Cowboy. Another benefit of parking lots and garages is they divert traffic from the central downtown corridor. I think three pedestrians have been killed on Broadway by vehicles in the last 12 months. Two people were just sent to the hospital this week. It would be the definition of insanity to keep building more parking (and multi story hotels... and condos... and restaurants... and running tourism ad campaigns.... and adding more flights...) and then complain that too many people have showed up, traffic stinks and there's yet again no parking.
To me the benefits seem obvious and the downsides irrational. I personally love al fresco dining, both being outside eating and enjoying the company of others, but also just the buzz of conversation in town as you walk by. I don't go to the town square often but its a nice amenity to have a commercial space I can somewhat enjoy. I personally, admittedly without evidence, think the council were just swayed by their restaurant owner friends without spots.
What do you think? Is this something worth organizing behind and fight to get back?