Funds allocated for outdoor tents, heating, lighting and more
DEARBORN – The city of Dearborn, under the direction of Mayor John O’Reilly Jr., has been making efforts to allow restaurants to have safer and more public health-informed dining opportunities.
To that end, the city has recently pursued the rental or purchase of tents, heaters, lighting and other equipment for restaurants to create and maintain outdoor dining areas as a way to mitigate the negative economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This allows restaurant-goers to enjoy a meal from their favorite restaurant while reducing the potential spread of the virus.
It is anticipated that the heated tents will be in operation soon so individuals will be able to sit and enjoy a carryout meal from nearby restaurants. They will be at the following locations:
• West Village Drive near Wagner Place
• Michigan Avenue and Howard Street, in city-owned greenspace directly next to Biergarten
• West Village Commons Plaza
• Monroe Street and Michigan Avenue
The City Council approved a request for $200,000 for this equipment during a special meeting Dec. 30.
More locations across the city are anticipated in the future.
In addition, the West Dearborn Downtown Development Authority and the East Dearborn Downtown Development Authority approved funds to provide “igloo” and “greenhouse” types of outdoor seating for authorized use by restaurants in the downtowns along Michigan Avenue.
The city’s initiative for tents, heaters and lighting also is supported by the Warren Avenue and Dix-Vernor Corridor authorities, the Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce and the American Arab Chambers of Commerce, as well as the two DDAs.