Letter: SLC should allow bistro to operate in Avenues

One of the things that Salt Lake residents and visitors have always wondered about and complained about is that we have very few small and attractive local businesses scattered in residential areas, (such as 9th and 9th and 15th and 15th). A glaring example is "the Avenues" area where they are almost non-existent.

Helping to fill this need in a wonderful and compelling way has been the Avenues Bistro on Third. For almost two years Kathie Chadbourne has been operating this marvelous café that has become a home away from home for many.

Now the city has suddenly come to her after two years to say she is in violation of a zoning code. She secured all her permits including a liquor license in full compliance with the law. The very thing officials say the city should be — more livable, walkable and homegrown — it now wants to take away. Proverbs tell us that "without vision, the people perish"; we also feel that rules without heart destroy the spirit of a place.

I hope the city leaders will open their hearts and minds a bit and reconsider this decision.

Paul Maurer

Salt Lake City