Exactly! This awful man should never be allowed to own animals for the rest of his life! Once an abuser, always an abuser. No matter that he is a vet. It doesn't excuse this abusive behavior, especially over tiny dogs!
I don't think he should get his dogs back until a psych eval is done and he's deemed ok to own an animal. I also think that your reporter's continued hounding of him for an interview after he clearly declined was appropriate or professional.
Simply, they're unfair to other businesses. Each space represents potential income for one or multiple businesses. If parklettes are to remain, businesses should file an application per space with an associated annual fee, subject to increase rent cost/year. They cause more problems than they solve.
Nobody is sitting outside in the winter months and Street dining should be limited May - October months. Also what is not needed is 4 season dining in these structures (walls. Heaters, etc) when restaurants have room inside. If eateries don't have room inside, shouldn't be taking public space
A few circles around the area, I always find a spot. It’s not any different than any other city. I like seeing people enjoying the outdoors. That’s why we live here.