Members of Bloomington City Council have given the go-ahead to continue the downtown outdoor dining program in 2023.
Council members voted unanimously Wednesday to renew the Expanded Outdoor Dining Program, which was started in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A portion of Kirkwood Avenue will be closed in the warmer months to make way for more restaurant and retail space downtown.
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The resolution passed Wednesday included a recommendation from the city that the program last from April 3 to October 1, shortening its duration from previous years.
Also under consideration was a proposed amendment to exclude the 500 block of Kirkwood — or Kirkwood from Dunn Street to Indiana Avenue — from the program.
Some objected to the program in its entirety, saying it benefits the few by giving preferential treatment to downtown businesses and interferes with parking.
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Others pointed to the overall economic benefits of the program and argued there is no lack of parking even with the partial closure of Kirkwood.
The amendment was struck down by a vote of 2-4-1. Council members Dave Rollo and Ron Smith were the only two to support it, while Stephen Volan abstained from voting. Council members Jim Sims and Susan Sandberg were not present.
Council members debated whether to continue the program at their Feb. 15 regular session but postponed voting until Wednesday.
