BETHEL — Last week, selectmen agreed to extend outdoor seating for area businesses until November 1.
Brian Simpson, who owns Butcher Burger restaurant, spoke on behalf of other businesses requesting for an extension, including Steam Mill Brewing and the Modern Barn.
Both Steam Mill and Modern Barn had employees or owners were present at the meeting.
Simpson said he thinks most people in the community feel safe and noted that no one at the meeting was masked, but that many people from away do not feel as comfortable, yet.
“A lot of the tourists coming into our state do not feel [as safe],” Simpson said. “They are still nervous.”
According to Simpson some people still wore masks while dining inside while others told staff they would rather wait for a table outside than dine-in.
Bethel Town Manager Loretta Powers said she spoke with the town’s attorney who said selectmen have the authority to manage town properties, including sidewalks and other public spaces.
In other news, town officials heard from resident Paul Legault who asked if the town would be willing put a trash barrel along the section of pathway near Big Adventure.
Legault said a lot of dog waste bags have ended up on his property despite their being a waste bag dispenser on the pathway.
Another issue Legault is having is people using Big Adventure’s parking spaces and restrooms without patronizing the business itself. Legault wondered if the town would eventually consider putting another portable potty closer to Big Adventure in the coming years.
When it came to parking, he asked the board where he should direct people to park if the Davis Park lot is filled.
Powers responded by saying there is also public parking near the basketball courts, but outside of that “the town of Bethel does not own land to have public parking.”
Powers added that there are currently portable potty’s at Davis Park and near the basketball courts.
“This is more of an opportunity to just come and voice things that we are seeing and getting recommendations you might have,” Legault said.
Legault and his wife Charisa purchased the Big Adventure property late last year and have since renovated and reopened the business, which offers miniature golf and ice cream.
Also during the meeting, selectmen appointed Bob Everett to the planning board to fill Pat McCartney’s seat, which will expire in December of this year. Everett was one of two applicants for the open seat on the board with the other being Tabaitha Steward.
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