Radnor is considering a zoning change that would allow outdoor dining to continue in the Garrett Hill section, writes Richard Ilgenfritz for mainlinemedianews.com.

Township ordinance prohibits outdoor dining but it was relaxed temporarily during the pandemic lockdown.  The temporary measure expires in November.

Radnor Commissioner Sean Farhy supported the move as a way to help local restaurants survive.

“As I’ve said, we’ve already lost Garrett Hill Pizza. If we lose Flip’s or the Ale House, the Garrett Hill Business District will be a ghost town,” Farhy said.

One resident said parking was already limited in the area and that outdoor dining would create a need for 20 more spaces.

But Kevin Kochanski, director of Community Development in Radnor, countered that the planning commission voted in favor of outdoor dining because it would be a “walk to” amenity.

Farhy said he thinks parking could be helped by eliminating some hurdles in the existing zoning ordinance.

“I firmly believe that we need to support our business district – support the businesses that support the township and the community,” Farhy said.

The proposed ordinance is expected to be voted on Oct. 18 by the Radnor Board of Commissioners.

Read more at mainlinemedianews.com about zoning changes to keep outdoor dining.

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The City of Philadelphia is also considering making outdoor dining permanent.