Bustling 6th Street across from Mears Park in downtown St. Paul will be getting a wider sidewalk for outdoor dining this year.
The St. Paul City Council last week agreed to expand the sidewalk from 10 to 18 feet to create a promenade for patrons at the popular Barrio and Bulldog restaurants and Bin wine bar in Lowertown.
Mayor Chris Coleman proposed the idea, which had the backing of building owners Dave Brooks and Jim Crockarell. They will cover the $300,000 cost of assessments.
The council overrode the concerns of the city's Historic Preservation Commission, which had rejected the plan.
Opponents said the wider sidewalk would disrupt the street grid of the historic district and strip out six on-street parking spaces. Developer John Mannillo said that temporary "pop-up" platforms should be tried first.
But Brooks and Crockarell didn't want the pop-ups. Brooks said that more outdoor dining will provide "the cherry on the sundae" for Lowertown visitors.
KEVIN DUCHSCHERE
@KDuchschere
