Natick’s new Temporary Outdoor Dining Review Committee, disclosed this past week at the Board of Selectmen meeting as a mechanism for helping restaurants expand their offerings, has begun fielding all sorts of interesting applications.
The committee will consider applications during the week, then forward those that involve alcohol license approval to the BoS for the following Monday. The town has committed to thinking creatively, which could involve allowing use of parking lots, sidewalks, streets, parking lanes, and other public space if various town departments approve.
Up for BoS consideration next Monday will be Eli’s, the Dolphin, Natick Elks Lodge, Zaftig’s and Morse Tavern, which seeks to go beyond its already available patio dining to the back parking lot.
- The Dolphin & Eli’s joined forces on their plan for dining accommodating 9 tables (36 diners) at 12 Washington St., within a tented and fenced-in area.
- Zaftig’s seeks to be able to seat up to 48 diners for food and alcohol service outside in the Sherwood Plaza parking lot near its deli.
- The Elks at Lodge 1425 are looking to use about 2,000 sq. ft. outside their Speen Street location to serve up to 48 diners.
- Finally, Morse Tavern, which already appears to be doing a booming patio business, wants to about 3,000 sq. ft. of tented space behind the restaurant to serve up to 76 diners.
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