News

April 9, 2008

W-B eatery may add outside dining

Council may permit Caf� Toscana to put tables along West Market Street.

By Bill O'Boyle boboyle@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
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WILKES-BARRE – Outdoor dining may be coming to Public Square.

City council Tuesday briefly discussed a resolution that would allow Cafe Toscana, a relatively new eatery on Public Square, to set up six or seven tables and chairs along West Market Street for sidewalk dining.

Mayor Tom Leighton said paperwork must be completed with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and Humford Equities before the outdoor dining can begin. Leighton said pedestrian traffic and emergency-vehicle access must be guaranteed.

“It should bring a feeling of Little Italy to the downtown,” Leighton said. “Outside dining is something we visualized for the downtown years ago.”

Councilman Rick Cronauer said he thought the idea was good for the city, and he asked the mayor about allowing parking on the inside perimeter of Public Square. Cronauer said vehicles are allowed to park on the inside of the square during the Farmers Market.

Leighton said he favors the idea, but approval must come from the state Department of Transportation. He said there is concern for passenger side doors opening in heavy traffic. Leighton said the city will look at all options in an effort to add the parking.

Cronauer said he felt the additional parking would stimulate downtown business. He asked the mayor if the city could allow the parking on a temporary basis until the Intermodal Transportation Center opens. Leighton said as soon as he gets approval, he will move the request forward.

Councilman Tony Thomas Jr. said during Farmers Market, a city police officer is stationed on Public Square to assist with traffic and to guard against any traffic problems.

In other business, Thomas announced that Lehigh Street will be paved and at no cost to the city. Thomas said Pennsylvania American Water Co. is doing work on the street and will pay for re-paving.

Councilman Bill Barrett asked Leighton if work will begin soon on Coal Street Park. The mayor said he couldn’t comment at length, but said he will announce some good news in the near future. The park is scheduled to undergo a major renovation with money the city hopes to receive in state grants.

Leighton also said arrests are near in the recent graffiti-painting in South Wilkes-Barre. He said police have told him that the actions are not of gangs, adding that kids are responsible.

Leighton announced that the city will enter into an agreement with Mark South Main Street Development Co. to apply for a grant to develop a strip mall at 592-632 S. Main St. The vacant lot is the site of the former Planter’s Nut and Chocolate Co. and the Shapiro Steel Scrap Yard.

What’s next?

City council meets at 6 p.m. Thursday, Fourth Floor, City Hall.

Bill O’Boyle, a Times Leader staff writer, can be reached at 829-7218.

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