Clarkdale Town Council gave direction to staff to set a fee structure for sidewalk cafe permits in the central business district on Main Street at a regular meeting March 27, a move designed to increase the appeal to tourists in the downtown business district by raising the area’s visual appeal.

The town will charge businesses $1 per square foot per year to set up sidewalk seating, with a one-time fee of $90 for the first year to cover the costs of design review board approval.

“The council wanted to balance the fair use of public sidewalk space with encouraging business development,” Clarkdale Senior Planner Beth Escobar said. “[The fee] is in the mid-range of cities we looked at.”

She said the revival of Old Town Cottonwood and the lively atmosphere created by sidewalk seating is part of the inspiration for Clarkdale’s decision to accommodate al fresco dining.

“People have seen the success of Old Town Cottonwood, and we would like to model after that,” Escobar said. “We want to get a benefit for the property owners and the business owners here.”

For the full story, see the Wednesday, April 4, issue of the Cottonwood Journal Extra.