Bell Bistro proposes expanded outdoor dining

By Grace Lovins

In a unique situation with outdoor dining along N Old Woodward, Bell Bistro has brought plans to the city of Birmingham for expanded outdoor dining that extends into the storefront of neighboring business Paris Baguette, which Birmingham’s Planning Board reviewed during its Wednesday, April 23, meeting.

Bell Bistro, a newly renovated and recently opened restaurant at 185 N. Old Woodward, worked through numerous approaches with city staff to expand their outdoor dining, said planning director Nick Dupuis.

The bistro was originally approved for one table with four seats in front of the facility during their initial application as the reconstruction of N. Old Woodward eliminated their ability to put out the outdoor dining deck that the former Mad Hatter bistro had in the street. The new proposal shows a facility with 22 seats surrounded by a required 42 inch tall partition.

Dupuis said that the dining facility extends beyond Bell Bistro’s storefront into Paris Baguette’s, but does not necessarily extend into different properties as both buildings are owned by the same property owner. Paris Baguette, Bell Bistro and city planners have worked with the property owner but written approval would be needed before going in front of the city commission, Dupuis said.

Wednesday’s meeting only included plans for Bell Bistro, so before the plans are presented to the city commission, Paris Baguette must also submit a revised site plan that shows the changes recommended for approval by the planning board.

Board members generally stated they liked the creative solution but had concerns about recommending the bistro’s plans for approval if it could negatively impact Paris Baguette. The owner of Paris Baguette, who attended the meeting with Bell Bistro, told the board they were okay with the change as long as both plans are approved.

In response to the board’s concerns, member Daniel Share proposed approval with the condition that plans from Paris Baguette are submitted and administratively approved by Dupuis before the commission reviews the item.

Board members voted unanimously, 5-0, to recommend approval of the special land use permit amendment and final site plan and design to the commission with the aforementioned conditions. Alternate board member Naseem Ramin voted in place of a regular member as Bert Koseck, Bryan Williams and Stuart Jeffares were absent from the meeting.