Hopefully, this can get off the ground...
Project Fibonacci's MOSART Center update: Why plans are on hold:
https://www.uticaod.com/story/news/2...TICA-NLETTER65
Also, Divided over a fence: Why Rome restaurants Franca's, Copperccino's are at odds:
https://www.uticaod.com/story/news/2...TICA-NLETTER01
From the article: "A section of fence has caused a rift between two neighboring businesses on West Dominick Street in Rome, a matter that came to a head during a recent Common Council meeting.
Franca’s Wine Room erected the iron fence, which is roughly the same size as the outdoor sidewalk, around Thanksgiving. The fence is within an arm's length of neighboring Copperccino’s Coffee House, which uses the outdoor area for seating during the warmer months.
“This is something that is critical to the business,” said Glenn Erickson, part owner of Franca’s and owner of the building that houses both businesses.
Erickson said liquor law requirements state the need for the fence so the business can help ensure that alcohol is not being given to minors. A fire pit also is in front of Franca’s.
'Losing that space is going to devastate us'
The owners of Copperccino’s, along with several loyal customers, also spoke during Wednesday’s meeting. Copperccino’s had put out a post on Facebook urging customers to attend and speak on their behalf.
Michael Brown, co-owner of Copperccino’s, opened the café four years ago. He argued the area on which the fence sits is publicly shared space, as outlined in a past Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
“It’s a big part of our business,” Brown argued, noting Copperccino’s use of the space for outdoor dining. “Losing that space is going to devastate us. Devastate us.”
Copperccino’s patrons also spoke in favor of the fence being taken down. Several noted how they moved to Rome during the pandemic and Copperccino’s was the place that welcomed them in, or how they travel to Rome specifically for Copperccino’s.
Speakers on both sides of the fence got heated at times.
What's next in Rome fence debate
Rome Mayor Jacqueline Izzo said the state liquor association requires a secured, fenced-in area before granting an outdoor liquor license.
While Franca’s did have the required permit for the fence, that permit only was issued a day or so prior to the meeting, not back in late November when the fence was first installed.
Franca’s will have to install a new fence, Izzo said, one that is lower in height, with a latched gate and crash bar "to allow unfettered access by the public to the designated outdoor alcohol space at any time during the day or night."
“So, patrons of Copperccino’s, The Balanced Chef or Franca’s would be able to utilize the outdoor seating area. The city has issued a right of way (ROW) permit for the public sidewalk, just as many other New York state municipalities issue for similar purposes, now that Franca’s has been issued a permanent outdoor liquor license by the SLA that conforms with their submitted plan for the outdoor liquor serving space."
Street view of the building in the city's Downtown:
https://www.google.com/maps/@43.2123...7i16384!8i8192
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
