City Councilman voices concern over outdoor partitions at the Brass Rail

On Monday evening, Plymouth City Councilman Randy Longanecker told council members he received an email from a constituent concerned about the Brass Rail's outdoor seating. He said the issue isn’t about the seating but the partitions set close to the street and the temporary lighting.

Longanecker said that while the Building Commission is investigating the issues, other merchants are stringing lights across the sidewalk that don’t meet the electrical standards code or the city ordinance.

The councilman said, “Folks are having to walk out into traffic and walk around to get back on the sidewalk because those partitions are there; they can’t walk straight onto the sidewalk.”  Longanecker told the council he’d seen it firsthand while eating at the Brass Rail. 

While Longanecker thinks sidewalk dining is a “neat” idea, he believes the city should investigate it before it gets carried away.  He also mentioned Ivy Terra on LaPorte Street, saying, “They have chairs and tables that they put out and completely cover the sidewalk, so you have to walk out and around.” 

Mayor Robert Listenberger said they are trying to schedule a meeting with the Brass Rail owners.

Longanecker asked if an ordinance governs the situation. City Attorney Jeff Houin said there is an ordinance that controls sidewalk obstructions that the council can examine to determine if an update is needed.  Houin said he also needs to seek clarification because Michigan Street downtown is also State Road 17, and there is some opinion that the city doesn’t have jurisdiction. However, he doesn’t think that is correct.  He has not researched the issue yet.

Longanecker commented that some lights are being held up with Bungee straps affixed to the city trees, the state’s traffic signal, and the city street light posts rated for certain wind shear. He said placing additional items on them, such as banners and lights, impacts the poles' tension and creates a safety concern.