Iowa City outdoor dining options to expand

Business is moving outdoors in Iowa City for at least one restaurant, with others likely to follow.

Leah Cohen, owner of Bo-James in downtown Iowa City, said work will soon begin to construct a sidewalk cafe near her business.

"If you look at the big cities across the country, they're using up every little inch outside for sidewalk cafes," Cohen said. "People love it. Who can't be outside on a beautiful day at a sidewalk cafe?"

Last week, the city council put off voting on a plan to begin allowing businesses to utilize street space for dining.  At least one additional proposal has been turned in to the city for a street cafe.

"The (business) owner would have to pay to use those parking spots in front of their business," said Geoff Fruin, assistant to the city manager.

Fruin said street parking would be reduced by no more than 30 percent per city street if the proposal is passed by the city council at an upcoming meeting.

"I think people put too much emphasis on parking," said Connie Champion, a city council member and downtown business owner.  "There is a lot of parking, if people are willing to use it. (These) cafes are a real asset to the community."