Councilman King to Vote in Favor of Sidewalk Dining Ordinance: “We’ll Give it a Try”
From: myparkcircle.com
Reversing his position, Councilman Bob King, in an exclusive interview with MPC, says that he has decided to vote in favor of the sidewalk dining ordinance when it comes before City Council. The principal reason, he explained, was “in deference to Fred Kemmerlin and Scott Kendall who have really been the backbone of the Oak Terrace and Cameran Terrace Civic Club.” Both residents, he said, have worked with him “for many years” on improving the neighborhood. Because of their past work and strong belief in the merits of the ordinance, Councilman King, will vote “Yes” next Thursday, despite “still having some reservations. We’ll give it a try.”
The major reservation voiced by the councilman, who represents District 8 that includes Cameron Terrance and Oak Terrace, is the vicinity of the dining and outside alcohol consumption near the Cooper Baptist Church. Although the nearby restaurants are not open on Sundays during services, they are open on Wednesday evenings. King acknowledged that many of the church members feel uncomfortable having to pass by these establishments and their location so close to the church. The church has presented a signature list of 351 persons opposing the ordinance and a representative for the church spoke against it at the first reading in City Council.
Nevertheless, Councilman King admitted that the restaurants in the Olde Village “have been very successful up there.” He made a visit to the street this past Friday night as he pondered his vote on the controversial ordinance. King said that he observed a generally orderly business-as-usual dining on the sidewalks, although he was concerned that not everyone was sitting down and a few people were “wandering around.” But, “the area has changed. Although a lot of old North Charleston people are opposed, I agree with Mayor Summey and Councilman Kurt Taylor that these changes require a change in our law.” Currently, King noted that the restaurants are “breaking the law. This just legitimizes it.”
The long-serving councilman cautioned that he would “re-visit” the ordinance in a year’s time. “They’ve been doing this already and not had any problems with it,” King said, “but if we get complaints” he will bring the matter before City Council.
