Up until now, one of the biggest cities in Eastern Massachusetts has not allowed outdoor seating at its restaurants, but that may be about to change.
According to a source, Brockton Mayor Robert F. Sullivan filed a measure earlier this week that would allow outdoor seating at dining spots in Brockton, with the City Council slated to look at the ordinance next week. Our source tells us that this would be the first time that restaurants would have outdoor dining service in the city's history, and that places such as Texas Roadhouse, George's Cafe, Joe Angelo's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Yamato Japanese Steakhouse, Tamboo, Italian Kitchen, and the Cape Cod Cafe are just a few spots that could be allowed to set up outdoor decks or patios.
The Council is slated to look at the measure next Monday, with the mayor hoping that it is fast-tracked for approval.
[June 12 update: A press release indicates that the new program allowing Brockton restaurants to have outdoor areas has been approved, with restaurants now able to apply for outdoor dining--including the possibility of using public streets and spaces if needed--and applications being fast-tracked by the city's new Outdoor Dining Advisory Board. (Amended licenses and permits will be valid until November 1.)]
by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)
[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]
