City Council passes legislation to extend outdoor dining and retail permits
Hidden Harbor/Independent Brewing Company (left) in Squirrel Hill and DiAnoia’s Eatery (right) in the Strip District set up outdoor dining spaces to boost business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In February 2022 Pittsburgh City Council extended outdoor dining and retail permit options. City Council unanimously approved making outdoor dining in public right-of-ways, like sidewalks and in the street, a permanent option for businesses who successfully apply for a city permit. The legislation was introduced by 1st District Councilperson Bobby Wilson after community organizations and businesses lobbied for an extension of outdoor business permits.
Outdoor dining and retail provided a lifeline to small businesses who faced indoor access restrictions during the pandemic. Not only did the pop-up outdoor retail and eatery options create a safer way to go out and support local businesses, but they also provided a new and unique experience to visitors. In some neighborhoods, more outdoor activity revitalized central business corridors.
Squirrel Hill’s bustling business district, which is full of restaurants and shops, will benefit from the extended outdoor dining and retail permit options. Maria Cohen, SHUC’S Executive Director, voiced her support for the legislation in an interview with Pittsburgh’s Action News 4: “Adding in this additional layer and bringing in more customers will only help to hopefully have businesses come out of this a little bit better than they would have.”
Local restaurants like Hidden Harbor/Independent Brewing Company and Silk Elephant took advantage of the outdoor dining option in 2021, and we hope that more of our local merchants will see these permits as a viable option to attract more customers and return to pre-COVID levels of business.
Outdoor dining options range from insulated igloos to picnic tables in parking lanes.
Unfortunately, due to the severe weather forecast of potential damaging winds, large hail, and dangerous lightning, the August 22nd Squirrel Hill Night Market scheduled was canceled. The safety of our visitors, vendors, staff, and community is our top priority. We want to extend a huge thank you to Uncover Squirrel Hill and I Made It! Market for prioritizing everyone’s well-being.
The Uncover Squirrel Hill and I Made It! Market teams are working on rescheduling (hopefully for this coming Saturday!) and we will share the confirmed date as soon as it's locked in.
Volunteers for the Night Market Litter Patrol will be needed to assist with setup, litter pickup, changing trash bags, and teardown for the event that depends entirely on dedicated community volunteers! We will share how you can sign up to support the cleanup crew.
The Squirrel Hill Farmers Market runs every Sunday through mid-December at the Beacon-Barlett Parking Lot. The SHUC booth will be there on the fourth Sunday of each month, with date adjustments for August 30th and September (moved to October 18th).
Preserving, Improving, and Celebrating the Quality of Life in Squirrel Hill
For over fifty years, the Coalition has been an active and important link in the community. It has served as a sounding board for new ideas, as well as a “watchdog” in the areas of public safety, education, residential quality, the business district, and parks and open space. With its focus on the quality of life in the 14th Ward, SHUC continues to monitor activities and future developments in the community through a range of standing committees.
