Updated on April 30, 2021 at 11:00 am
Eric S. Page
With the pandemic beginning to ebb in San Diego County and restaurants and gyms allowing customers back indoors, some people are beginning to wonder: Parking or parklets?
Of all the business sectors affected by the coronavirus pandemic during the past year, none was as creative in its responses -- or had to pivot more -- than eateries. First, they shifted to a takeout model, then, as cities began to be more receptive to the idea, business owners took over parking spots in front of their locations, building outdoor dining areas that, in some cases, rivaled their indoor seating. Sure, many cities waived permit costs, but the expense of constructing them in some cases ran to many thousands of dollars.