The delightful smells emanating from A’Jays Cheese Steaks on Second Street in downtown Morgan Hill can lure in just about any passerby. Add the small outside dining area and it makes for a perfect afternoon sit-down with friends and family.
A short walk toward Old Monterey Street and the same group can grab a cup of java or hot cocoa at Grinds Vines Automobilia Café while still basking in the sun.
So why not a similar dining experience in Gilroy?
The Gilroy downtown has a scrumptious eatery like Garlic City Café just about the same short walking distance to 5th Street Coffee, which is under new ownership and plans on reopening soon. But while the small bistro does offer two outside tables with umbrellas, it is the only establishment along Monterey Street with a curbside dining option.
On the contrary, just about every restaurant or café in the Morgan Hill downtown provides outdoor seating – making for a very inviting environment – such as popular spots like Rosy’s At The Beach (nine outside tables and an overhang to add to the atmosphere); Ricatoni’s Delicatessen (11 outside tables split between the storefront and curbside); and Ladera Grill (which has tables on both Monterey and Third Street.)
That could all change with the Gilroy City Council set to vote during its Jan. 28 meeting on a new ordinance offering much more lenient regulations when it comes to outside seating for dining establishments in the downtown.
“I’m more than willing to go for it,” said Socrates Diego, owner of Garlic City Café who opened his doors some five years ago. “If it brings more people to the downtown and gives the downtown a better look, I think it’s a no-brainer.”
One of the top priorities for the City Council over the years has been revitalizing the downtown area. This latest measure, which has been recommended for approval by city staff, is geared toward accomplishing that.
“There are regulations in place now, but the proposed ordinance is more lenient,” said Community Development Manager Lee Butler, who assisted in drafting the ordinance after an inquiry from a local downtown business about putting up fencing in the pedestrian right of way.
“We decided we would incorporate more flexibility to allow businesses to utilize the public right of way to promote outdoor seating.”
If the ordinance passes, a business will have to apply for a special encroachment permit (a one-time requirement) and submit their plans to the city for review. The city will then determine if the plans comply with the new ordinance and don’t add any kind of interference from things such as handicap accessible pathways or bicycle racks. There is also an indemnification clause so the city is not liable for any accidents in or about the outside seating area. In addition, the business must also meet insurance requirements before receiving the go-ahead from the city.
“I think it can be really beneficial,” Butler said. “For one, it allows the businesses to show more of a street presence and that draws passersby in. Two, it adds vitality to the street and, at the same time, allows for a little more advertising for the business. Three, which is really critical, is it expands the dining room capacity.”
The planning board recommended two amendments to the outside dining draft. The first has operating hours changed to 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday and extended closing hours to midnight on Friday and Saturday. The second is narrowing the mandatory pedestrian passage from 5 to 4 feet.
“I think it would have a positive effect as long as it doesn’t obstruct foot traffic,” Mayor Don Gage said. “That’s the only thing. It’s safety. It really boils down to safety and that’s what they are trying to solve.”
Another stipulation in the proposed ordinance calls for a two-foot space between the far edges of the dining tables from the roadside curb because the diagonal street parking slots allow a small hangover for a car’s front end.
The city will also offer another expanded option for business owners, who may want to extend their dining area even further into the parking spots directly in front of their store. They would be allowed to take up to two parking spots if requested.
“If this gets approved by the council, we’re hoping a couple of businesses will take advantage of that,” Butler said. “All of the restaurants are going to be eligible … It really has a high potential to significantly expand their dining area. And a higher capacity gives them the ability to earn more money.”
When it comes to taking away any parking spots on Monterey Street, Gage added: “I felt it was a good concept as long as you do the ‘paseos’. You can’t just take away parking and do nothing to resolve that.”
The planned paseos are park-like passageways that will link Monterey Street with back parking lots.
According to Butler, the dining area can have tables against the storefront or at the curb or both just as long as they provide 4 feet of space for pedestrians. For example, Rosy’s At The Beach and Ladera Grill in the Morgan Hill downtown have tables situated on both sides of the sidewalk. Therefore, pedestrians actually walk through the middle of the dining area.
The proposed ordinance, Zoning Text Amendment Z 12 -05 ( 12100063) on the agenda, directly ties into the direction the City Council has for Gilroy as outlined in “Vision 2028” during the two-day strategic planning session earlier this month.
“One of the biggest priorities that I wanted to see and think was a high priority for everyone was what is the vision for the downtown area and specifically how we’re going to invest our resources in that area,” Council member Peter Leroe-Munoz said.
Creating a vibrant downtown where all businesses benefit is something Butler hopes the proposed ordinance will start to accomplish. So whether it’s Garlic City Café that supplies outside dining or OD’s Kitchen or Carnitas Michoacan, a visitor to the downtown may come for antiques and stay for dinner because of the friendly vibe these eateries have created.
“It can really create a synergy among businesses in the downtown,” Butler said.
