Decorah City Council approves use of a parking spot by two restaurants

Decorah City Council members have been looking for ways to support downtown businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.  On Monday night, they gave their approval to a request that two restaurants in the 200 block of West Water Street be allowed to use a parking spot as an addition to their outdoor dining areas.

Under the plan, Magpie Coffeehouse and T-Bock's Sports Bar & Grill will share the use of the single parking spot between a sidewalk bumpout and a bike rack.  The two restaurants have different operating hours, so they will be able to work out details of the sharing.

The proposal was approved 6-1 Monday night, with city council member Randy Schissel dissenting.  City Council member Emily Neal praised the idea as a way "to help our downtown businesses."