An image of From the Boot outdoor dining on York Street taken on Aug. 15, 2020 during Ambler Restaurant Week. (Credit: Ambler Borough Council Vice President Haley Welch / Facebook)
From the Boot owner Bob Devine is hoping Ambler Borough Council and its public safety committee approve his request to bring something back to York Street that worked successfully during the pandemic and last summer.
At Tuesday’s council committee session, council discussed a request from the Italian restaurant to close down York Street during “warmer months” to provide outdoor evening dining for his guests on the weekends. They will vote on the request at their next meeting.
“The idea was we were thinking of May, and set a start date that made sense,” Devine said.
The street closures would be limited to weekends from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., but could go as long as 11 p.m., he told council. There would be a maximum of 48 seats.
Devine thanked the committee for all their support over the last few years, helping them through the pandemic.
“The biggest thing there was York Street and that being blocked off and we can seat diners outside,” Devine said. “It was something we never thought that was possible without you supporting us and discussing it, and it turned out to be a great thing for us.”
Devine said the outdoor dining on the closed street sustained their businesses and brought them through the tough times of the pandemic. As of last year, From the Boot decided to revisit the idea, with Devine going directly to borough Manager Mary Aversa, who guided him and aided in organizing everything.
Councilwoman Karen Sheedy was concerned of a situation that occurred in the past: residents complained that closing York Street restricts access to tenants.
“I’m not sure what to do about this request,” the Ward One councilor said.
Devine said he sought out approval last year from CamaPlan, located across York Street. He said the neighboring properties have already approved of the event.
“The other property at the end of York, we went to the owner and tenants and discussed with the owner of the property what we wanted to do and how it would impact those tenants,” Devine said. “Because of accessibility for the end of York, it shouldn’t interfere much. We have been approved from the tenants and ownership, with their support, I went back to Mary and that’s how we organized ourselves last year.”
Last year’s setup was not aesthetically pleasing with 26 weighted umbrella bases, which, Devine said, ended up taking up sidewalk space as they were stacked outside the business.
“We have ideas to improve upon that. It will be better than last year in terms of appearance,” he said, adding that there would be better plantings and barriers in place.
“We’ve got a lot of great feedback from the borough for accessibility for outdoor dining,” Devine said. “We feel lucky enough to have it.”
Sheedy told Devine she appreciated that he talked to tenants and property owners.
Devine told council he would provide more sidewalk access in front of their store for the adjacent Ambler Theater attendees. Other council members, as well as one resident, advised that the York Street and East Butler Avenue intersection is a busy drop-off and pickup location and a high traffic area.
“I’ve only ever heard good things about the outdoor dining,” said Council Vice President Haley Welch. “I think people love it. I’m in favor of doing it.”
Councilwoman Jennifer Henderson loved it too.
“I think it’s nice,” she said.
Councilors, tongue-in-cheek, recommended Devine bring T-shirts and pizza to the next meeting.
“I can’t be bought!” joked committee Chair Amy Hughes.
