From Carol Rufenacht

Monroe

To the Editor:

I’m writing in response to Andrew Kranig’s comments in the June 15th Monroe Times. Mr. Kranig reported that he was receiving numerous phone calls about their concerns regarding the newly constructed outdoor street dining at Baumgartner’s on the square. I walk downtown several times a week, and the outdoor street dining area is usually filled to capacity. I know that I have tried to get a seat, but there is always a long wait. During the pandemic, several of the downtown eatery’s provided sidewalk dining for us, and many of us were extremely grateful for that. I remember having conversations with many friends and acquaintances during those times whose wishes were for streetside dining such as Madison and other communities offer. Now it has come to Monroe and it is a very welcome addition to downtown Monroe. Recently we had company from out of town who wanted to go to Baumgartner’s so they could eat outside in the streetery area. There is so much going on around the square that it is fun sitting in the streetery watching all of the activity as we dine. We are blessed with many fine restaurants on each side of the square- all of them with outside dining filled to capacity. It makes Monroe a friendly town people want to visit. Our square is cordoned off for many wonderful events throughout the year that also bring hundreds of people here for participation. Parking lots fill up and people walk to the downtown area carrying their lawn chairs eager to join in the festivities. Just this past weekend, Main Street Monroe provided several activities, hugely attended, and if missing square parking was an issue, these activities did not support the belief. So, a huge thank you to whomever approved outside dining and the new streetery. You help to make our downtown area robust. And let’s do everything we can to support our lovely downtown area and stores.