Newport restaurants raise concerns over proposed placement of benches
By: Melissa Randall
@MRandallABC6
Richard Willis, owner of Caleb & Broad in Newport, is excited about the improvements being made right outside his restaurants front door.
“They’ve made the whole area an attraction and a reason for people to come and check out what Broadway St. is,” he said.
Wednesday he and the other Broadway St. merchants got a better idea of what the project will look like when complete. Orange cones with pictures of amenities were placed where the city thinks they should go. Some of the locations of benches like the one in front of Willis’ business are raising some concerns because they are where tables for outdoor dining would normally be.
“I’m not opposed to benches. I just think if you could use them to generate some income and potentially add jobs why would you put it there when it could be in a better suited area,” explained Willis.
Mary Wall, owner of Ben’s Chili Dogs says it’s important for business owners to speak up now, before the fixtures become permanent.
“What’s good is that they have asked for our input if we really are upset or worried about something that’s going in right in front of us,” she said.
But for the most part Wall says the upgrades, like the bike rack going in front of her business, are a welcomed addition that will benefit customers.
“Presently they don’t really have a place to put their bikes. They have to trust leaving them on the street or what ever it may be, so that will be an enhancement for them and keep it organized for the merchants as well,” she said.
Anyone with questions, comments, or concerns is encouraged to contact the city at: fmarinaccio@cityofnewport.com.
© WLNE-TV 2016
