Dick O'Dow's to move patio to back alley

Dick O'Dow's at 160 W. Maple in downtown Birmingham is preparing for the upcoming road construction season by requesting to temporarily relocate its outdoor dining area to the rear of the building during the 2020 outdoor dining season. Birmingham city commissioners unanimously agreed, approving owner Mitch Black's request to waive the $2,800 application fee and to expedite his request for a special land use amendment to make the move outside “The Dow,” a back room which opens out with a garage door to the Willits Alley. Black had come before the city commission in December, noting that the 2020 road construction season, which will involve Maple Road reconstructed between Southfield and Woodward, will be the second time in three years that will impact his outdoor dining business. In addition, planning director Jana Ecker noted that the new design of Maple Road will not allow him to use his current dining platform. She said that Dick O'Dow's was the first establishment in Birmingham to have an outdoor dining platform. In order to receive that original dining patio, Black had to pay the $2,800 application fee, which is why he requested it waived.