As a patron of local businesses, or as a business owner myself, I support any efforts that ensure outdoor patios in the public way continue to be a viable option for business owners and the community, even after pandemic restrictions are lifted.

Outdoor dining was a rare bright spot during the pandemic. Business owners' ability to create new and interesting spaces in our business district is a credit to their ingenuity, resiliency, and creativity, and should be celebrated and supported in every way possible.

In addition to saving businesses and jobs, new patios enliven our squares and commercial corridors and foster a safe and business-friendly atmosphere. I support making sure outdoor dining is here to stay for our small businesses and community.

I’m signing this petition so we can let our City Council and City Administration know that we want business owners to maintain their options for full service patios in the public way to augment their business and improve the community.

I also want business owners to know that they are supported and appreciated, and that there is a demand for outdoor dining to continue post pandemic.

We believe outdoor patios enliven the public way; rethink our public spaces in a positive and communal way; provide additional space that supports our small business owners and their staff; outdoor patios creates a safe and welcoming streetscape and are a great way to demonstrate support for the small business owners in Cambridge and should continue post pandemic

Please do all you can to advocate at the local and state levels to remove impediments to continuing the operation of outdoor seating in Cambridge.

NOTE: The Cambridge Business Coalition is made up of Cambridge Local First, Central Square BID, Chamber of Commerce, East Cambridge Business Association, Harvard Square Business Association, Kendall Square Association,