Plymouth City Commission Rejects Proposed Increase in Fees for Outdoor Dining
Restaurant owners in downtown Plymouth can breathe a sigh of relief as the Plymouth City Commission recently voted against a proposal to increase fees for outdoor dining. The decision came after a heated debate, with many restaurant owners expressing their concerns about the significant fee hikes and a lengthening of sidewalk clearance requirements.
Initially, the proposal suggested raising rates from $1.50 to $15 per square foot of outdoor dining space, a massive 900% increase that caught many restaurant owners off guard. However, during the meeting on August 7, Mayor Nick Moroz proposed a more moderate fee of $2 per square foot, which represented a 33% increase from the current rate that has been in place for over a decade.
Mayor Moroz justified the proposed increase by highlighting the fact that operating costs for the city have risen over time, while the rate for patio dining has remained stagnant. He also called for a minimum sidewalk clearance of 6 feet on all streets, citing national urban planning standards that recommend 8 to 10 feet for optimal pedestrian walkability.
However, not all commissioners were convinced. Some believed that the proposed fee increase was inadequate and suggested raising it to $2.50 or more per square foot. They argued that outdoor dining was a form of personal gain on public property, which should be fairly compensated. Mayor Pro Tem Suzy Deal emphasized the need to strike a balance between supporting outdoor dining and considering the interests of the broader community.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Alanna Maguire expressed concerns about the uniformity of standards across different streets in downtown Plymouth. She argued that evaluating outdoor dining on a street-by-street basis would be more appropriate to determine what makes the most sense for each location.
The issue had received significant attention prior to the meeting, with Maguire revealing that several commissioners had been subjected to harsh condemnations. Despite the differences in opinion, Maguire affirmed that the commissioners’ intentions were always to make sound policies that benefit the city.
Restaurant owners also had their say on the matter. Ryan Yaquinto, owner of Compari’s on the Park, Sardine Room, and Fiamma Grille, opposed any policy that would require moving patios away from the buildings. He argued that the current setup reduced pedestrian congestion and contributed to the vibrancy of the city, adding value and jobs while supporting the community through sponsorships and donations.
The City Manager, Paul Sincock, explained that restaurant owners desired a consistent policy that would remain in effect for several years. Some patios were entirely on public or private property, while others were a combination of both.
As of now, it is unclear when or if the city will revisit changes to its outdoor dining policies. Mayor Moroz stated that they would gather feedback and consider the desires of the people before making any decisions.
Overall, the Plymouth City Commission’s rejection of the proposed increase in fees for outdoor dining has provided temporary relief for restaurant owners in downtown Plymouth. The issue has highlighted the challenges of striking a balance between supporting local businesses and considering the broader community’s interests. Only time will tell how the city moves forward with its outdoor dining policies.
Contact reporter Laura Colvin at lcolvin@hometownlife.com or 248-221-8143.
