La Pecora Nera gets green light for dining deck

By Grace Lovins

Italian deli and cafe La Pecora Nera, located at 135 Pierce Street in Birmingham, got the green light from the city’s planning board during the Wednesday, June 24, meeting for a proposed outdoor dining deck to be placed on the street outside their business.

La Pecora Nera is proposing an outdoor dining platform in the Pierce Street right-of-way, using one on-street parking space in front of the Craig Ryan store. Planning and sustainability intern Lauren Milia told the board there had been changes since the agenda was posted, and the applicant had submitted the materials requested by the city.

The planning report states the platform would include 12 seats at four tables, with two tables on the platform and two in the amenity zone outside of the platform footprint, along with two umbrellas, planters and fencing around the platform.

During the discussion, board member Bryan Williams asked about a parking space that would remain between two outdoor dining decks. Planning director Nicholas Dupuis said the distance was about 24 to 25 feet, though the Toast restaurant has a planter in the area, leaving closer to 20 feet. He noted that when Planthropie previously occupied the space, a deck had been approved in the same location with the same condition, and no incidents were reported during the one season it was used.

Chair Scott Clein said he had some concern about the remaining parking space, but noted the city had not received complaints when a deck was previously located there. Dupuis said the annual outdoor dining permit process gives the city recourse if issues arise.

Deli co-owner David Ayyash said the restaurant’s service model would not change from the current offerings in metro-Detroit. Customers would buy food and take it outside, with proposed hours of 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Because the platform extends beyond La Pecora Nera’s storefront, the applicant was required to obtain approval from the neighboring property owner. Milia said the property owner’s approval had been submitted, and the neighboring tenant also gave approval as an added courtesy.

Board members voted 5-0 to approve the final site plan and design review application for La Pecora Nera’s dining platform.