As a youngster, U walkways wanted a Triumph or MG roadster. Very nice looking car. Marriage and children made me choose more family-friendly transportation.
My thinking is that the chairs and table would help draw people to her store front even if they didn’t go in. And people tend to attract other people. I’ll take it for granted that you don’t leave your empty coffee cup or food waste behind so you shouldn’t be a nuisance, especially at the times you typically would be there. Did she say that the table and chairs were costing her money do to potential customers not wanting to enter because someone was sitting at a chair in the sidewalk or that the chairs and table were a hazard to elderly/disable folk who are her primary customers? When I travel and visit smaller communities, I am always very appreciative of their people friendly attitude and amenities like a place to sit and relax.
Of course - I, and my family, always cleaned up after ourselves. And I'd always pick up anything left by others....tree debris from overhead, mounds of leaves, cig butts, etc.
The furniture is well back from the walking path of the sidewalk....we keep it back against the wall. There are 3 businesses here. The jewelry store lady was the first and brought her patio set from home to put there. She said it wasn't being used - and thought it would be nice for townsfolk. My daughter and I thanked her for her thoughtfulness. (we actually thanked everyone until we found the correct person!) I politely asked the glass shop man if the chairs would be back after the mask mandates were over. He angrily said no - "never!" I told him how nice it was to have them there. He said, angrily that they "created a nuisance!" I phoned the record store owner - he gave me some cock & bull story about his plans to make a "walk-up" sales window right there. That was over a year ago. I got the feeling he didn't want to mess with the glass shop owner.
Nothing has changed.
My hope is that Dave Chappelle buys this building, too - as he has purchased many in the village. If he does - I'll write him a letter to see if we can get the table and chairs back!
So I use the Group W bench, or sit next to the Under dog. Tom's market owner greets me every morning.
Stig
