Booming Rail District in Birmingham to See More Bistros

This month, the City Commission unanimously approved a recommendation that restaurants in the Rail District be allowed to apply for class C liquor licenses. The Rail District is on the city's east side along Eton street, between Maple and Lincoln. The area, which used to be primarily industrial, is booming these days with new business.

While the City Commission approved the possibility of bistros with liquor licenses, the concern was voiced that there are not many sidewalks in the area. The small amount of space in front of buildings is primarily being used for parking.

Back in 2007, the city passed an ordinance to allow bistros to obtain liquor licenses as long as they provided a maximum of 65 seats and an option to dine outdoors. Five new restaurants have opened under the ordinance since its inception.

Sources:

http://www.ci.birmingham.mi.us/index.aspx?recordid=4994&page=1329

http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20101017/NEWS02/10170394/Rail-District-will-see-more-bistros