Springfield, Tennessee, small business owners told FOX 17 News they are in a bind after a local law stops them from attracting customers, and they want to change that.
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted against allowing them to place signs, decorations, or tables on the square’s sidewalk.
The business owners told FOX 17 News that not being able to place things like signs on the sidewalk will hurt their sales. There is even a petition with hundreds of signatures requesting a change. However, to do that, elected officials need to help.
Dozens of businesses line the streets of the Historic Square in Springfield.
Jessica Davis opened a small boutique that sells interior furniture and home decor called Maison De Reve in May and put an “open” sign on the sidewalk.
“Let's help these businesses thrive,” she said.
She hoped to bring more customers, but then she was told she had to move the sign because a Springfield municipal code doesn’t allow for anything to block the sidewalk.
“It’s incredibly frustrating,” said Davis. “Maybe you have a sign outside that says, 'Fresh bread.' Oh, that place has fresh bread. Or perhaps sitting outside and eating a dessert at a table. And you walk by and go, Wow, that looks good.”
Donna Morton had a shop on the Square for six and a half years.
“For the entire time I was in business, I had either big pots, most of the time, big pots of flowers, palms, whatever, and a right iron table and chairs on both sides, both windows,” she said.
She added that the code was not enforced until now, following what happened to Davis.
“I never had any pushback on it. And one of the things that made it so special is it did welcome people in,” said Morgan.
An August Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting voted to try to allow signs, decorations, and more on the sidewalks.
The vote failed 5-2.
Springfield Mayor Buzzy Poole voted no.
“We are for downtown business, we need to make sure what we decide to allow with everyone. We want them to survive and thrive,” he said.
He told FOX 17 News the concerns included offensive signs and people tripping on the sidewalk.
“It really doesn't make sense. I mean, where my sign is placed now, which was not allowed. There's 144 inches of sidewalk here,” said Davis.
Alderman for Ward 6 Emily Green voted yes, along with Alderman Stephanie Bradley.
https://fox17.com/news/local/springfi...
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