Downtown Residents Opposing Second-Floor Outdoor Dining in Manhattan Beach

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA -- Would outdoor dining on the second floor change the character of downtown Manhattan Beach? Some residents think so and they are fighting to keep downtown as is, according to the Beach Reporter.

The 40- to 50-member Downtown Residents Group said inviting second-floor outdoor dining will a host of problems to the city, including an increase in trash and noise pollution.

“Changing Manhattan Beach Boulevard to allow all of Manhattan Beach Boulevard to have second story outdoor dining is potentially recreating Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach,” said Carol Perrin, the group's representative told the Beach Reporter. "We think that is a wrong and dangerous, slippery slope."

The city is currently finalizing its Final Draft Downtown Specific Plan. Currently, there are no regulations against second-floor outdoor dining in downtown, though a permit is required.

For more on this story, visit the Beach Reporter.

-- Patch file photo