Westport Planning & Zoning Commision Applies to Extend Temporary Outdoor Dining Options; Chefs/Owners Agree

According to a February 22nd application, the Westport Planning & Zoning Commission applied to extend the current temporary outdoor dining options. The application pertains to the many local restaurants using their patios, sidewalks, and other outdoor spaces in order to serve customers without having them indoors.

Local restaurant owners and chefs wrote in to support the extension, such as Match Burger Lobster’s Matt Storch, Rye Ridge Deli’s Scott Martin, Finalmente Trattoria’s Mary Iodice, and Pane Bene’s Tony Rizza and Angelo Capponi.

According to the application, “Since May 20, 2020 over 80 applications for Outdoor Activities were approved by the Planning and Zoning Dept. for local restaurants. Approvals are issued following review by the Fire Marshal’s Office to confirm all COVID-19 guidelines are met and following review by the Westport Weston Health District and other town departments on an as-needed basis.”

The initial application was set to expire on March 31st, 2021. The new application would get rid of any expiration date, allowing flexibility while the Town continues to operate in a pandemic setting.