A recent Daily Journal article noted “rave” reviews of the Laurel Street outdoor dining scene, by both diners and restaurant owners; I totally agree! The Laurel Street success naturally leads one to ponder a permanent closure of the street (the 700 block) and the possibilities this enables. I’m thinking, ultimately, of an Italian-style piazza (think: a nice, contiguous stone pavement; maybe a fountain or two; plenty of benches for nondining visitors; coffee kiosks, fresh flower vendors, etc.) This is a bold idea that would (mainly due to cost) have to happen in stages, over time.
There are many positives (including a perfect climate for this, plenty of free parking, and a demonstrated lack of significant traffic problems). One possible big negative: the loss of business to nonrestaurants retailers on the block. Is there a solution to this? Is this a discussion we should be having?
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.