Harry Caray's restaurant doesn't like pedestrians, handicapped people or mothers. These photos by The Bench prove it. (See UPDATE 4/16/08)Why is 44th Ward Alderman Tunney allowing this outrageous abuse of the public right of way?
Their new restaurant in Wrigleyville is hogging the sidewalk with its outdoor seating. Chicago law requires that there be six feet of clearance for pedestrians, and that "at least six feet of clear and unobstructed sidewalk space to allow for pedestrian passage." Harry Caray's clearly violates this rule (see below).
Pedestrians are forced to squeeze between the patio fence and a light pole. Imagine a wheelchair trying to negotiate this obstacle.The restaurant is kitty corner from Wrigley Field, at 3551 N. Sheffield Ave., the space formerly inhabited by Hi-Tops. Hi-Tops always kept the sidewalk free of obstructions.
According to the City of Chicago's Department of Business Affairs and Licensing:
Where the city has installed a permanent structure such as a parking meter, planter, fire hydrant, light pole or other device, the operator of the sidewalk café shall make accommodation for the required clearance for pedestrian passage. The boundary must be set as to leave at least six feet of clear and unobstructed sidewalk space to allow for pedestrian passage (see attached plan instructions and sample plans A-C). Sidewalk café operators shall be mindful of the rights of pedestrians traveling past their sidewalk café at all times during the operation of the café. (Source)
Perhaps 44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney cannot see the forest for the trees. He seems to be so concerned with the Wrigley Field Neighborhood Protection Plan that he missed this blatant misuse and abuse of the public's right of way, of a sidewalk that belongs to all of us. Does the alderman ever get over to this part of his ward? If he does, he might want to open his eyes and look around.(See UPDATE 4/16/08)
