Officials and merchants in Oxford Village are hoping outdoor dining will play a major role in their efforts to draw more people to the downtown area.
‘Who doesn’t like to have lunch outside once in a while when it’s nice?? said Downtown Development Authority Chairman Mark Young, owner of Mark A. Young Jewelers.
On Tuesday, March 18 at 7 p.m., the village planning commission will conduct a public hearing regarding a proposed outdoor cafe and seating ordinance for the C-1 Central Business District that was previously endorsed by the DDA.
‘From Main Street perspective you want ‘street theater? out there on the sidewalks,? said Young, referring to idea of using people dining, drinking, talking and having a good time outdoors to draw others in. ‘It’s appealing to the eye.?
To help craft this proposed ordinance, the village’s planner, McKenna Associates, of Northville, studied similar ordinances in six other communities with traditional downtowns, sent out surveys to all restaurant owners in the DDA district and held two meetings with interested restaurant owners.
According to the proposed language, outdoor seating areas may be permitted on private property or public areas (such as sidewalks and plazas) ‘immediately adjacent? to the restaurant or food establishment.
‘It’s good for the business owners ? it expands their square-footage for doing trade,? Young noted.
Outdoor seating would be permitted between April 15 and November 1 during the establishment’s normal hours of operation. However, no outdoor seating would be permitted to operate from 1-7 a.m.
Outdoor seating areas must be kept clean and litter-free. All tables, chairs, planters, trash receptacles and other street furniture must be ‘compatible with the architectural character of the adjacent buildings.?
Table umbrellas should complement building colors, according to the proposed ordinance.
During nonbusiness hours, all outdoor furniture and fixtures must be stored inside the building or properly secured.
Site plans must specify plans for storing all outdoor furniture and equipment during the off-season.
Where there is wait staff or alcohol service, outdoor seating areas will be required to be enclosed with a decorative wood or metal railing or other types of decorative removable enclosures approved by the planning commission.
A sign stating ‘no food or beverages beyond this point? must be posted. Additional signs would be prohibited.
Young believes that proposing outdoor seating areas will help expose people to all the downtown area has to offer.
‘If you can get people stationary out there for a period of time, they’ll start to appreciate the architectural details and the fineness of our town,? he said.
Having more people outside, enjoying themselves where everyone can see them, could help with the village’s traffic/pedestrian issues along Washington St. (M-24).
‘It might have a bonus effect of slowing traffic down because people are going to see activity here,? Young said. ‘Maybe drivers will stop in and see for themselves what they’re missing.?