LUNENBURG - Council has approved amendments to the land-use bylaw to allow street furniture and other items of display to be permitted on sidewalks in the general commercial zone.

 Council originally requested in September 2007 that the planning advisory committee (PAC) review the use of sidewalks and sidewalk areas for commercial advertising, display of retail goods and the placement of street furniture in order to remove the requirement for specific permission from council for their placements.

 During their review, PAC determined that street furniture adds "interest and life to the streetscape," and that the removal of all such furniture as well as retail goods for sale from sidewalks would have a negative impact on the downtown area.

 Only one individual, local businesswoman Lynn Gillard, addressed council at a July 31 public hearing on the issue, and she spoke in favour of the revisions.

 Along with allowing portable signs and the placement of retail goods on sidewalks without specific permission, the changes also permit retail outlets to leave those items on the sidewalk when their businesses are closed.

 The amendments also allow for the operation of takeout windows subject to the regulations set out in the bylaw, but does not permit the service of food directly on the street.

posted on 08/19/08