Mount Clemens approves four Walnut Street parking spaces for outdoor dining as DDA launches patio program

Mayor Laura Cropp and the City Commission on June 15 approved a Downtown Development Authority plan to place outdoor dining patios in four parking spaces on Walnut Street as part of a broader downtown improvements program.

City Manager Don Johnson introduced the DDA's initiative and invited DDA representative Mickey Weiss to describe details. Weiss said the DDA has already received some bistro tables and will receive fencing and additional shipments imminently; the DDA intends to manage installation, daily sanitizing and removal. "The tables and chairs part of our order came in today," Weiss said, adding that businesses had been enthusiastic about the trial rollout.

The DDA's proposal also includes refreshed furniture and limited concrete replacement in the Cherry Street Mall, murals on the children's museum wall, shade sails near the Clock Tower and portable bistro seating throughout downtown to promote outdoor dining and a park-like atmosphere.

Commissioners asked whether the DDA board had formally approved the plan and about potential impacts on curbside pick-up and overall parking. Johnson and Weiss said the DDA had purchased barriers using funds remaining in its budget and that businesses chosen for street-side patios had been supportive. The proposal as approved allows the DDA to use four Walnut Street spaces for outdoor dining; Mayor Cropp said the city would designate those spaces for the DDA through Nov. 1.

George Kale, a public commenter, urged the commission to secure liability coverage for exterior dining areas and suggested the city add a rider or policy clarification to address slip-and-fall exposure. The commission directed staff to confirm insurance and operational details through the DDA and city departments.

The motion to allow the DDA to utilize four Walnut Street parking spaces for outdoor dining was made and carried on a recorded roll call. The commission agreed the furniture would be portable and movable, enabling adjustments if any location did not perform as expected.

Looking ahead, officials said the DDA will finalize placement and manage the program, and staff will follow up on insurance/permit questions raised during public comment.