It makes the place look open. Anyhoo...

Irish Times has to meet with QVNA on TUESDAY to get approval for outdoor seating. Yes, once again a few nimbys get to control that which the masses enjoy.

If you support Irish Times getting seating, please email QVNA through QVNA.org in order to get this innocent proposal approved. Might I add that they unknowingly did it against ordinance, and it proved not to be a problem.

No waaas, whys or maybes-if you enjoy outdoor seating you can do something now by emailing QVNA and CCing it to the councilman's office. They have a hard enough time adhering to the historic nature of the building, and we have to stop putting roadblocks up to well-meaning businesses.

It also makes it look safe and a good area to live in. If a picture is worth 1000 words then here are two.






Having amenities like good outdoor seating has to help improve property values. Just my two cents.

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You can't solve a problem with the same thinking that created the problem.

I'm not sure what a photo of the abandoned McDonald's building has to to with desirability of outdoor seating. That place's problems had nothing to do with outdoor seating or the lack thereof.

There are better ways to make the case, IMO.

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Proud member of the definitive Philadelphia Eagles Fans' message board

The old McDonald's location just bothers me. It has been vacant for about two and half years and is an eyesore to anyone coming into the area. A nice restaurant with people eating outside on nice days makes an area vibrant and alive. As long as the tables do not block the sidewalk I see no problem with outdoor seating. I had a late lunch this afternoon at a place with outdoor seating and more people were eating outside than inside. You get a free show with your meal.

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You can't solve a problem with the same thinking that created the problem.

I agree about the former McDonald's location being a complete eyesore. I have heard the building has structural issues which may be affecting its being leased. Vacant buildings suck, especially on South St.

And I also agree that a well set up outdoor seating area at a nice restaurant can be an asset to a neighborhood.

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Proud member of the definitive Philadelphia Eagles Fans' message board

I just love a side of exhaust fumes with my lunch

Honestly, I rarely like to sit outside. I do, however, think that outdoor tables used responsibly bring more attention to a business and also add eyes on the street to prevent nuisances from the non-customer variety.

I like sitting outside and having a drinky poo or two....

The QVNA zoning committee listens to th esurrounding neighbors at a public hearing when outdoor seating is requested. The neighbors either express support or opposition and th ecommittee decides to suport or oppose based on the neighbors comments since they are the ones most affected by people eating and drinking outside their house. The neighbors of Ansil on Bainbridge came out in full force and opposed outdoor seating. That is why it was denied, because the people immediately affected by it did not want it. Other restaurants like Java and Red Hook gained the neighbors support and therefore were granted outdoor seating.

While I agree, I can't tell you how many times I've had to navigate obtrusive and poorly thought out outdoor seating. My rule of thumb would be, if someone can't get by with a single width baby stroller, then the business is interfering with the public right of way.

Worst example ever would have to be that Bleu or Rouge or Gris or whatever damn French color place over on Rittenhouse. Every time I have to apologetically squeeze through the masses of smug yuppies I fel like unzipping and taking a piss in their f*cking mimosas

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"I don't know why we are here, but I'm pretty sure that it is not in order to enjoy ourselves." - Ludwig Wittgenstein