Council grants temporary waiver to Bent Nails parklet with anchoring, drainage and signage conditions

The Montpelier City Council granted a short-term waiver Aug. 26 allowing Bent Nails Bistro to keep an existing parklet on Langdon Street for a limited time provided several safety and compliance corrections are made.

Why it matters: Parklets provide outdoor seating and can boost downtown vitality, but they must meet city rules addressing pedestrian and traffic visibility, delivery access, stormwater/drainage, river hazard permitting and public-safety concerns.

Chris Lumbra, the city’s sustainability and facilities coordinator, reported the parklet had not completed the city manager’s office application process and sits in a no‑parking delivery zone, partially blocks gutter drainage and lacks reflective signage and adequate anchoring. Public-safety staff tested truck access and found that while the location is not ideal, emergency and delivery access is feasible. Lumbra recommended a waiver with conditions: anchor or ballast the parklet against flotation, modify the structure to preserve stormwater flow along the curb, and install visible reflective signage to improve traffic and pedestrian visibility.

Councilors asked staff to work with Bent Nails to ensure the parklet meets river‑hazard permit requirements, preserves access for deliveries, and provides an accessible surface for people with mobility devices. Staff said the parklet is reasonably flush with the curb and could be made ADA‑accessible with small adjustments. The waiver was approved by voice vote; staff will follow up to verify the required changes are made before the waiver is considered final.

Ending: Staff will work with the parklet owner on anchoring, drainage and signage and report compliance at a future meeting or via staff update.