Much of the Wednesday, June 4 Town Council meeting was dominated by a long discussion of the pros and cons of allowing outdoor dining on State Street. The conversation and vote both reflected the fact that everyone who spoke seemed to see both sides of the story.

One one side — what’s not to like about sitting outside on a summer evening and enjoying that long view down State Street to Bristol Harbor? On the other hand, why should the four dining establishments, all located on the north side of the street, be the only businesses in Bristol officially permitted to not only do their business in a public roadway — but consume valuable parking spaces by doing so?

When restaurants were first permitted to operate in the street due to a government order during the COVID emergency, it was seen as a win on all sides. The hospitality industry bore much of the brunt of the shutdowns in 2020, and nobody wanted to deny them an opportunity to do anything they could to save their businesses. At the same time, patrons were chomping at the bit to get away from home cooking and takeout meals, but most were more than happy to delay eating indoors and risk exposure.

The ordinance, championed by Brian Travers of the Bradford-Dimond Norris House, and Zach Rivers of Judge Roy Bean, was on the Council’s agenda for the second reading for adoption, 20 months after the Council voted unanimously to refer the matter to the Town Solicitor.

“It just brings more people downtown,” said Travers. “And as we all know, a rising tide lifts all boats. It’s just great for everybody.”

Though not a public hearing, Council Chairman Nathan Calouro offered the opportunity for people to speak for and against the matter, and though all the speakers who stepped forward expressed their support for small local businesses, there were some concerns — chiefly about the impact on commercial traffic for non-restaurant retailers and office spaces. Trash was another concern, as was the impact that the dining areas would have on access to ramps for those who need handicapped accessible parking areas.

The town councilors were as divided on the issue as the speakers were. Tim Sweeney spoke in favor of the plan, saying, “It creates an experience and enhances the town,” though he suggested a sunset clause at the end of the season to allow the council to revisit the issue and to establish a committee to look at the long-term design of the area.

Council member Tony Texeira expressed serious concerns about the fairness of the proposal, and how it could be perceived as favoring some businesses to the detriment of others. So too did Council Chairman Nathan Calouro, saying “My concern now is that we are in a different time and I truly believe that public space is public space…I think they're trying to expand their businesses and do the best they possibly can, and I commend them for that. But I don't believe that it should be in public space.”

Councilor Mary Parella suggested that the plan go forward for this year, as the season in upon us, and like Sweeney, she would like to revisit the issue in the fall, well in advance of next season, establishing a committee that would create a long term design that fits the historic downtown.

Ultimately, the Council was split, with Sweeney, Parella, and Councilor Aaron Ley voting to approve the plan for the season with a November sunset clause, and Calouro and Texeira officially abstaining.

“Thank you for the polite dialogue,” Calouro said at the end of the discussion. “I would expect nothing less.”