St. John’s city council has approved an eatery with outdoor seating in the historic but cramped Quid Vidi Village. That’s despite objections from some residents and the ward councilor himself, Shawn Skinner.

Skinner voted against the eatery, citing longstanding issues with traffic and parking along the narrow roads in Quidi Vidi.

The business at 11 Barrows Road will open just for the tourist season, and include five or six picnic tables for outdoor service.

City staff determined there is enough parking to accommodate it, but Skinner believes they’re just making a bad situation worse. Until the issues with parking and traffic, in general, are addressed, Skinner says he won’t be able to support such an application for the area.

He says there’s no doubt he’ll receive complaints on the issue, but it’s frustrating because he has no answers for those residents.

Councillor Deanne Stapleton also voted against the application but didn’t speak to the issue.

The business will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., will not sell alcohol, and will have a no-smoking policy on site.