City council okays Stella A’s request for Sarah’s Alley dining

LOCK HAVEN, PA – City council gave a favorable review Monday night to a request from Stella A’s restaurant to temporarily close Sarah’s Alley for a warm-weather outdoor dining area.

The restaurant’s Louie Anastos explained plans for the outdoor dining in the portion of the alley between Stella A’s and the abutting Strouse law firm building. Anastos said the area is 72 feet by 15.5 feet and 10 tables for 40 diners would be located there. He said a number of amenities would be part of the plan, including a picket fence at either end and appropriate lighting strung across the dining area.

Anastos said the procedure would be the same as utilized when the restaurant went to the PLCB for approval for its café dining out front on E. Main Street last year. He said the restaurant is talking of a May through October plan. City Manager Greg Wilson said present city law allows only a 90-day temporary closure of an alley, but city council could extend that period for another 90 days.

Council was positive in its response and agreed to vote on a resolution to that effect at its March 15 meeting.