GLENDALE : Sidewalk Dining Extension Offered

Glendale City Councilwoman Eileen Givens introduced a measure Tuesday that would extend for another year an emergency ordinance allowing sidewalk dining at fast-food shops, cafes and restaurants.

Council members initially approved the three-month measure in July after learning from city staff members that sidewalk dining was popular among local restaurant merchants--most of whom have seen little or no improvement in revenues this summer contrasted with last year.

But only Farniente Ristorante and Kix restaurant have obtained permits through the ordinance, which expired the first of this month.

“Not as many restaurants have asked to participate as we thought,” said Kirk Pelser, administrative analyst for the Glendale Redevelopment Agency.

City officials doubt that cost has been a factor for merchants because the license application fee is $50, down sharply from the previous $850 for a special street-use permit.

During the council meeting Tuesday, City Manager David H. Ramsay said four other food shops have since expressed interest in seeking sidewalk dining permits, which allow tables, chairs, portable umbrellas or other furnishings to be placed in front of restaurants. Le Pafe Cafe Bakery was in the process of applying for a license when the emergency law expired.

Ramsay then urged council members to keep sidewalk dining alive until Nov. 1, 1994, to give staff members more time to evaluate its effectiveness.

The council will take a final vote on the proposal Tuesday.

Kix owner Ara Kalsayan believes sidewalk dining helped boost his business when he set it up in the summer.

He suggested that city officials do more to promote outdoor dining.

“We should work as a team,” Kalsayan said.