The Warren City Council is taking the right approach with the city Redevelopment Association’s plan to purchase new sidewalk tables and chairs.

The $30,000 project was approved by the RDA in May, but city Solicitor Andrea Stapleford has said the purchase isn’t prohibited by law but also doesn’t fit with the RDA’s primary function to redevelop property.

In our opinion, Stapleford is right. Redeveloping property is taking an empty property and helping fill it, taking an underdeveloped property and developing it or facilitating a better use for downtown buildings.

Helping remove slums and blight is a job for a redevelopment authority. Buying new tables and chairs for sidewalk dining may help restaurants make more money, but it’s hard to justify the project as redevelopment.

Councilman Greg Fraser’s suggestion to include the tables and chairs as part of the city’s capital budget process later this year makes sense since the RDA purchase likely won’t result in the new seating being in use during this summer season anyway.

Lastly, this situation shouldn’t result in a game of chicken between the council and the RDA.

Comments from council members on Monday show, quite clearly, that the council isn’t happy with the RDA’s plan. We hope the RDA takes a second look at its plan and reconsiders.