Board OKs outdoor dining license for Vanette, amends planter-height guidance

The Village Board on May 7 approved a license agreement allowing Christy Wagner, doing business as Vanette, to establish a small outdoor dining area on village-owned property adjacent to the Riverside train station, and concurred with staff’s recommendation to adjust outdoor-dining standards to permit taller planters.

Director Siren described a proposed 200-square-foot area bounded by decorative planters and containing four bistro tables; no umbrellas or outdoor lighting are proposed. Siren said the proposed elevated planters measure 28 inches to the top of the planter, and with plants of about 14 inches would reach 42 inches — consistent with the board’s earlier directive limiting barriers to 42 inches. "If the board concurs with staff’s recommendation to allow planters up to 28 inches tall, the proposed planters would be deemed conforming," Siren said.

Trustees asked practical questions about pedestrian flow and whether Vanette could set up under the portico during rain; Siren said setting up under the portico would require separate board approval and that two stairways and an 8-foot path would remain open to pedestrians.

By motion and roll-call vote the resolution was approved and the village manager will execute the license agreement with Vanette.