Letter: Zoning to remove Bistro patio is not needed

It has come to my attention that Salt Lake City's zoning laws no longer permit patio dining at the Avenues Bistro on Third ("After complaint, Salt Lake City closes Avenues Bistro patio," Tribune, Nov. 13). This appears to be yet another Salt Lake City planning ordinance debacle.

In 1985 street parking was nonexistent, motorcycles parked on lawns, and the day-and-night traffic on many streets was caused by drug trafficking. Tossed beer and liquor bottles glistened like jewels in our yards.

We tolerated crime with alarming regularity, but homeowners stayed on the Avenues because we love this district. More property owners invested money into improving their real estate, housing values increased and most undesirables moved elsewhere. The Avenues became an appealing locale.

Now, local establishments provide charm with advantages that are unique to this district. The Bistro gives vitality to our area, entices upscale patrons, improves local quality of life and provides jobs.

If city zoning is intended to improve our neighborhood, why don't they oppose run-down buildings, high-density housing that increases traffic and sanction blaring parties and trashy yards?

We do not need to remove what is not an irritant. What we do need is a well-maintained restaurant with a quiet patio.

Suzanne Tornquist

Salt Lake City