If the seating is only for dinner, there is even less justification for the barriers to be impeding the lion's share of the sidewalk passage. The chairs and tables are absolutely not "put aside" during the day. The barriers are there in the same place all day every day.

The placement of the barriers as they are is selfish, serves no legitimate business purpose, and creates a hazard all day every day for those of limited mobility who are forced to use that sidewalk to reach the post office. I would very much like to know the legal easement granted to the restaurant, and how it is that only a few inches remain for citizens to walk.

You tell me where the oncoming pedestrian is supposed to walk.

The passage allowed by the restaurant seating barriers is less than four feet wide.

Thanks for the picture. It seems to me they changed how they set up their barrier. I agree with you that the way it is set up now is too restrictive.
Have you stopped by during business hours and spoken to Chef Patti?
She has seemed to be a reasonable person and maybe she can have the barriers changed so that you can get by easier.
Did you hear from the City of Lowell?

Thank you for reporting this issue to the City of Lowell. It has been referred to Development Services for review.

I'm sorry, but in my humble opinion, "it has been referred to Development Services" does not equal "closed". Can someone please take some responsibility? Or is this all just a waste of time?

Thank you. This issue has been reported to the zoning officer for review.

The downtown coordinator, Chris Samaras, has spoken to the owner of Centro's and she will be sure that the sidewalk is clear for pedestrians. Please let us know if this continues to be an area of concern.
Thank you

I returned from a week's vacation to find this note suggesting something had been done, and a sidewalk, if anything, more obstructed than ever before. Centro absolutely has not backed off their barriers when they are not serving--they are leaving them in place as before.

The sidewalk remains obstructed as before. Nothing has been done by the restaurant to open up the pathway when they are not serving.

Still obstructed.

Pedestrians forced into the street when others already in the narrowed space.

The downtown coordinator has spoken to the owner and she agreed to keep the street open.

The downtown coordinater spoke to the owner just now and has determined that she is complying with city regulations. We have closed this issue because we feel the owner is in compliance. If you have further issues with this area, please call the City Manager's office at 978.674.4000. Thank you