Dupage Policy Journal

The city of Wheaton recently revealed the tent program implemented during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to expand outdoor dining will continue on a more permanent, indefinite basis.

The city council was able to purchase the tents and contract out installations for a cost-savings over the next 10 years, as discussed at the Dec. 5 council meeting. Renting and installing the tents was originally costing the city more than $100,000 a year.

“We've had no program as successful as the tent program as far as bringing people into downtown Wheaton and making downtown Wheaton a destination,” Wheaton Mayor Phillip Suess said at the meeting. “Bringing foot traffic to downtown Wheaton opens up opportunities for everybody. So I'm glad we're able to move forward with this and making it more of a longer term commitment and doing it in a cost effective way.”

The city is working with the Downtown Wheaton Authority to collect some of the revenues to pay for the program and maintain the area for the future. While the DWA will do most of the work, the city will be involved with the legislation and liabilities.

Both Wheaton residents and businesses owners requested the continuation of the tent program which has been operating on a seasonal schedule since restrictions were lifted. During the pandemic, the council passed ordinances that closed down Hale street, allowed for outdoor liquor sales, approved the purchase of the tents, and the contract for the installation of tents.