Monday, October 6, 2008

Montgomery Inn requests alley closure to add outdoor dining

Montgomery City Council is considering a request from Montgomery Inn to close a public alley to create an outdoor dining area and bar for the landmark restaurant.

Closure of the lightly-used alley, which is located between the north end of the restaurant and the European Cafe, would result in additional seating for 70 patrons.

Montgomery Inn feels that the partially enclosed addition would help businesses in the Historic District by making the area more lively.

Montgomery council heard an informal proposal on the project last winter.

After conducting a traffic analysis, city staff found that the closure could have some effect on neighboring businesses, who have parking lots in the rear of their buildings.

The city is working with the Montgomery Inn and European Cafe to resolve issues relating to the alley closure, and updated plans for the dining area are due before the city's Landmarks Commission either later this month or in November.