Times Observer file photo The Warren Redevelopment Authority on Wednesday discussed options to bring more tables and chairs for sidewalks downtown.

Could the city’s Redevelopment Authority purchase tables and chairs for the sidewalks in downtown Warren?

That issue was the focus of Wednesday’s RDA meeting.

The issue was raised by Authority member Wendy McCain in response to the Warren City Council’s decision last week to permit businesses to place tables on the sidewalks.

“It’s a free for all,” McCain said. “(There are) some businesses that have no tables.”

Department of Public Works Director Mike Holtz said the original downtown furniture was purchased as part of the Streetscape work downtown and intended just for Second Ave.

“(There is) ample furniture for that area,” he said. “As it went on, we have picked off here and there (and) tried to appease everybody,” moving furniture to other downtown establishments. “It doesn’t look as full as it was. There’s holes.”

The fundamental question on Wednesday was whether the RDA has the authority to make such a purchase.

“We’re still at limited capacity for our restaurants,” McCain said. “A lot of the businesses, even if they are able to pay for their own tables, can’t afford it.”

Vince DeJoy, the city’s planner, said staff have been exploring sources for more furniture but suggested such a purchase wasn’t in the RDA’s scope.

“I see the RDA as a mechanism to remove slum and blight,” he said.

“The spirit of the (RDA’s) money was never for furniture,” Holtz said.

“I think more tables and chairs downtown is way to give back when we have the money to do so,” McCain said, citing one funding balance in excess of $300,000.

DeJoy noted, though, that it “seems like we’re buying equipment for businesses.”

“The RDA is blight — redoing businesses to keep up the facade from one corne rof Warren to the other corner,” Authority member Marty McQuillan sid. “As to furniture … that was financed by federal and state grants, (that’s) outside the scope of the RDA to do the furniture and equipment.

“I don’t really think it’s the purpose of the RDA to purchase tables,” he said, noting that he “absolutely agree(s) it would be nice to have more of these things … I just think it’s outside the scope of the RDA to do these things.”

No final decision was made on Wednesday but staff will be determining whether the RDA can legally make these purchases and the RDA was encouraged to determine the extent of the need.

“Especially during a time when businesses have limited capacity, I think this might be a good option,” McCain said.

Holtz said that the four person tables with chairs currently on the street cost $2,360 each while the two-seaters cost $1,600. He estimated $20,000 to $25,000 to address the gaps that exist.

AUCTION RESULTS SUCCESSFUL

The RDA took three properties to sale — 111 Pioneer St., 103 Sixth Ave. and 28 Hemlock St — earlier this month. The properties sold for $37,500, $16,500 and $28,000 respectively.

The city had taken title to the properties due to delinquent sewer accounts.

DeJoy estimated total profit to the RDA would fall between $30,000 and $32,000 once all costs were addressed.