Kendall County Times

Restaurants and bars in Oswego and Yorkville are receiving help from community leaders to open with outdoor seating.

According to the Chicago Tribune, when Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced outdoor eating would be allowed, the two mayors went to work to help local restaurants and bars.

Troy Parlier, Oswego Village President, issued an executive order that will allow outdoor seating to be set up as long as it follows the state's guidelines. Under the executive order, retail stores can also open, but only with outdoor displays of merchandise.

Parlier said he is also trying to help any businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with grants and other financial assistance. 

"This is another measure for the village to be proactive," Parlier told the Chicago Tribune. "Once we heard the governor was relating some of the restrictions in Phase III, I wanted to make sure the village's ordinances and regulations did not impede our businesses in any manner." 

Yorkville Mayor John Purcell is also trying to assist businesses and restaurants reopening in the city. 

"The city wants to assist every bar and restaurant in town with safely opening," Purcell said on social media. "The city will be taking inventory of picnic tables and barricade equipment for potential use and will be working on accommodating outdoor seating in privately owned parking lots, publicly owned parking lots and closed streets, subject to city review."

Purcell said the city will be making sure all measures for public safety are taken, especially social distancing. 

Yorkville City Council is also discussing an ordinance that would help restaurants without outdoor seating obtain a license to use public space to put tables and chairs up, according to the Chicago Tribune.