Panama’s patio rejected

On Tuesday (Dec. 19), the Chico City Council rejected an appeal from Robert Mowry, owner of Panama Bar Cafe, who wanted to expand the sidewalk and install a second-story architectural feature outside of his business on East Second Street.

The patio would have been mostly ornamental and wasn’t designed for dining, according to a city staff report. The architectural design included three support columns in the public right-of-way, which was in conflict with the city’s municipal code. For that reason, the city’s Engineering Department denied Mowry’s application on Oct. 31.

Councilmen Karl Ory and Randall Stone expressed support for the concept, but the rest of the council did not. Stone’s motion to green-light the project failed by a 2-to-4 vote; Councilwoman Ann Schwab recused herself due to owning property within 500 feet of the bar.