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A Resolution Approving a Temporary License Agreement with Publican Quality Bread to Allow Use of Alley Space for Outdoor Dining Beginning May 4th through October 31, 2026 and Authorizing its Execution
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Introduction
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The Village Board has previously approved the ability of Oak Park businesses to use on-street parking spaces for outdoor dining. Given the impacts of the Renew the Avenue Project, there are no uses of on-street dining this year, with the exception of Publican Quality Bread’s usage of the alley space for their outdoor dining space.
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Recommended Action
Approve the Resolution.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior action(s):
• On March 18, 2025, the Board approved RES 25-187, the temporary license agreement with Publican Quality Bread.
• On April 11, 2024, the Board approved RES 24-177, authorizing the temporary license agreement with Publican Quality Bread.
Background
From 2020 through 2025, several Oak Park businesses signed temporary license agreements and were approved for outdoor dining utilizing on-street parking spaces, with the exception of Publican Quality Bread using the alley-way. This year, Publican Quality Bread has expressed interest in participating in outdoor dining. The fee structure used in 2023-2025 will be utilized in 2026. This fee structure is established by a per space/per day fee structure for the utilization of the area to capture its loss of revenue.
Timing Considerations
The 2026 outdoor dining season begins on May 4th through October 31st.
Financial Impact
Publican Quality Bread would pay a fee of $1,550 for the six-month outdoor dining season.
Operations Impact
The Development Services department works with the Public Works department on coordination of the cement barricades being placed in the area and picked up at the end of the season. The Public Works department recognizes the impact on their staff dedicated to place the cement barricades at each site. Each site requires four (4) employees to install and remove the equipment. During the season, Development Services-Business Services Division is responsible for code enforcement issues of the area, monitors businesses to ensure there is compliance with the regulations and that the area is clean and well-kept.
DEI Impact
There is no DEI impact associated with this item.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Approve the Resolution
Advantages:
• Approving the license agreements would allow the restaurant to expand their seating capacity, helping the business to accommodate more customers.
• On-street dining can make an area more vibrant, attracting tourists and locals, benefiting not just restaurants but also nearby businesses.
Disadvantages:
• The proposed dining takes up usage of the alley way, which limits the direction of deliveries and garbage collection.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board can elect not to approve the Resolution
Advantages:
• There would be no impact on staff’s time or on the lost public right-of-way space.
Disadvantages:
• Business would not be able to participate in outdoor dining.
Alternative 2:
The Board can elect not to allow interested businesses to utilize and pay for the use of right-of-way space for outdoor dining.
Advantages:
• Staff would work with the restaurants to identify creative ways to utilize sidewalk dining and not impact the right-of-way
Disadvantages:
• Businesses would likely be unable to participate in outdoor dining given the space limitations outside their establishments.
Anticipated Future Actions
There are no anticipated future actions in relation to this item.
Prepared By: Noemy Diaz, Administrative Officer/Business Services Manager
Reviewed By: Craig Failor, Development Services Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution
2. License Agreement