Council tables outdoor-dining easement amid safety concerns, approves two historic designations on first reading

Councilors tabled an easement agreement that would permit outdoor dining at 1013 State Street after multiple members raised safety and accessibility concerns tied to adjacent construction that already narrows sidewalks. The proposed dining footprint shown in submittals was five feet by 27.5 feet; several members requested field measurements, more pedestrian-access planning and further review before approval.

In separate business, council adopted on first reading two zoning-ordinance historic-designation ordinances: one for the former Foreman Block property at 1013–1015 State Street and one for the William and Mary Spencer House at 519 West 6th Street. Both historic-designation ordinances were sponsored by Council member Horton and passed first reading unanimously (7–0). The easement matter was tabled to allow staff to return with additional measurements and safety plans.