Ludington considering allowing outdoor downtown dining

LUDINGTON — The Ludington City Council is considering changing the city code and zoning ordinance to allow downtown eating establishments to provide outdoor dining. Currently, under the code and ordinance, establishments must obtain special permission for outdoor dining. With the proposed changes no special permission would be needed to provide outdoor dining as long as the business complies with all applicable ordinances and the Downtown Ludington Outdoor Dining Design Guidelines.

The area covered under the changes is on Ludington Avenue and South James Street.

Currently, Redolencia Coffee Shop and Le Serving Spoon provide sidewalk dining/seating for patrons. Luciano’s Ristoranti has also had outdoor seating. Outdoor dining, along with a pedestrian friendly downtown, have been proven factors in successful downtowns.

The city has prepared a guideline for establishments that may want to particpate.

City council meets Monday, March 4 at 6:30 p.m.