Council Talks Village Streetscape, Sidewalk Cafes Scrutinized; Community Meeting Thursday

Event: Public Workshop for Downtown Village Specific Plan Update (Thursday, 5:30 p.m. La Mesa Community Center- 4975 Memorial Dr.)

The La Mesa City Council talked sidewalk cafes and more at their meeting Tuesday, setting the stage for a community workshop Thursday evening dealing with the plan that will guide the future of the Downtown Village.

As part of the revitalization of the Village the city said they will be scrutinizing permits for sidewalk cafes, like the area in front of Cosmos Cafe, specifically making sure that only eateries are using the sidewalk space.

"Some might need to be redesigned because the sidewalk is changing," said City Manager David Witt. "Some might not be feasible."

Discussion between city staff and city council revealed that sidewalk cafes will not necessarily be grandfathered into the new plan. Witt said the the city can demand the removal of a sidewalk cafe at any time.

"There is a lot of demand for that space, we need to make sure it's functional," said Witt. "We have existing standards that have gotten a little loose."

The "Downtown Village Specific Plan Update" deals with sidewalk cafes and many other policies that will affect the future of the Village. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m., May 30 at the La Mesa Community Center, and the city is looking for public input.