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Patio opposition fades BY DAVID PRESZLER JACKSONVILLE -- The Mediterranean's proposal to add patio seating to its restaurant was approved by the city Planning Commission Wednesday night without opposition from commissioners or the public. A neighboring restaurateur had initially voiced concerns about noise from the patio disturbing guests in his outdoor seating area. But McCully House owner Dennis Ramsden spoke in favor of the patio Wednesday night. He said Thursday that he was never against the idea of the Mediterranean having a patio but had some concerns about the details, such as whether there would be live music, bright lights and such. Once he heard the specifics of the proposal on Wednesday night, he said his fears were put to rest. "It's good for everybody," Ramsden said, noting that the Mediterranean's moving in next door has helped his business. Mediterranean owner Dan Galvin said the focus of his efforts was to get the commission's approval, but he was glad the issue was resolved so smoothly with everyone. "There was a little bit of confusion," said Galvin. "We felt it would be a nice enhancement of our back yard and downtown Jacksonville. The majority of people felt the same way." Galvin hopes to begin construction soon and have the 851-square-foot patio behind his California Street restaurant open by early July. The patio will seat about 40 people. Bill Leep, chairman of the Planning Commission, said the commission required only minor modifications to Galvin's proposal and approved it unanimously. Today's Business Index Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA