City Council considers regulating storefront security bars

By Jim Hagerty
Online Edior

Aldermen agreed to seek public opinion before requiring businesses to remove security bars from storefront windows at Monday’s (April 4) meeting of the City Council.

Karen Elyea (D-11) said removing the bars would make areas more attractive and improve shopping. Elyea noted that the code could be enacted in certain areas only, especially those where stores are housed in historic buildings.

City Attorney Jennifer Cacciapaglia told the council it is possible for the city to enforce such an ordinance.

While it’s not clear when the council will vote on the matter, the Codes and Regulations Committee will conduct more research and seek public opinion before motions are made.

Meantime, alderman voted 11-3 for the extension of Sunday bar and liquor sale hours to begin at the end of the month. The change will allow bars, restaurants and packaged retailers to sell alcohol from at 9 a.m. on Sundays until  2 a.m. on Mondays.

The extension will give establishments four extra hours of business. Right now, Sunday liquor sales are allowed from 11 a.m. until midnight.

The Rockford City Council meets in open session every Monday at 6 p.m. Meetings are in Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, downtown.

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