Some Palm Springs retailers express frustrations with expanded restaurant operations and parking limitations

The manager of the Birkenstock Comfort Shoes store on Palm Canyon Drive says restaurants are getting better treatment.

To back her claim, Tara Green says restaurants, with clearance to serve customers on sidewalks and in the street, in some cases are encroaching on storefronts next door.

"I think there is a little unfairness between small businesses and restaurants. I think restaurants are being favored a little bit," said Green.

Green points to a gated area on the sidewalk, set up partly in front of her store, by the owner of Revel Public House next door.

The gate extends almost seven feet in front of the shoe store and Green says it slows down her business.

She is now planning to move to the larger old Bobby's G's building a half block away, which she says will allow more space for social distancing.

The owner of Revel Public House says she's surprised by Green's complaint.

"Those patios were permitted. Those patios went through an approval process," said restaurant owner Mindy Reed.

Retailer Ken Schearn, founder of RCPM Group, a gold and coin dealer on Arenas Road, sides with Green regarding the city's approach to dealing with restaurants.

He says it's having a negative impact on retailers.

Shcearn points to K-rails set up on Palm Canyon Drive to allow street dining.

He complains the rails are eliminating parking spots for customers of all businesses.

"You cannot open up the street and not have parking on the street for these merchants," said Schearn.

The complaints are happening as the city prepares for another change downtown.

City Manger David Ready says the two center lanes of Palm Canyon Drive will be reopened by mid-morning Wednesday.

He also says K-rails will be made available to any restaurant owner who wants them.

Ready says the fact that Palm Canyon is reopening Wednesday shows the city cares about and is responding to retailers, who have complained about lost business because of the road closure.

"We're sensitive to the needs of retail stores. We are doing everything we can to make sure their stores are not blocked," said Ready.

Also to support downtown business, the city will temporarily allow merchants to display sidewalk signs, as long as they don't impede foot traffic.

Ready also says the city is considering allowing retailers to set displays on sidewalks and on sections of the street in front of their stores.