Committee approves outdoor dining applications; staff requires ADA access and bars sidewalk seating

At a committee meeting in the Lachley Community Room in Punta Gorda, the panel approved two outdoor dining items: a new application (ODO32025, transcribed as for "Punta Gorda chocolate and wine" / "Pineapple chocolate and wine") and a renewal (ODO1/2026) for River City Grill. Staff emphasized that the ADA path must remain open and accessible, and Public Works stated that “no tables and chairs will be permitted on the sidewalk.”

The approvals came after staff comments and brief public input. A committee member moved to recommend approval of the first outdoor dining application; the Chair seconded, and the motion carried with aye votes and no opposition recorded. For the River City Grill renewal, the committee approved the application with conditions, including the sidewalk restriction. The motions and vote outcomes were recorded on the meeting record as carried.

Doug Amaral, who identified himself as having been involved in the original outdoor-dining implementation 24 years ago, urged the committee to explain what had changed. "I still have the 4 to 5 feet," Amaral said, saying the space should allow both seating and pedestrian passage. He told the committee that, historically, tables were placed against buildings and that losing that seating reduces peak-season sales. The Chair advised Amaral to speak with counsel or use the City Council public comment period to raise the issue further.

Urban Design staff also asked the committee to ensure that any seating does not block the ADA-accessible path. Public Works’ staff clarified that, under the conditions discussed, tables and chairs will not be allowed on the sidewalk itself.

The committee opened the meeting by approving minutes from the Feb. 13, 2026 meeting and concluded with adjournment at about 9:05 a.m. The committee announced its next meeting for Friday, March 13, 2026, at 9 a.m. at the same location.

Actions recorded in the meeting included approval of the Feb. 13, 2026 minutes, approval of ODO32025 (outdoor dining application) and approval of ODO1/2026 (River City Grill renewal) with conditions. Specific vote tallies by name were not provided in the transcript; motions were recorded as carried.