A new restaurant is coming to downtown, with approval by Clarkston City Council last Monday.
James and Sarah Schneider’s proposal for a family restaurant at 15 S. Main Street, formerly Clarkston State Bank, was approved unanimously.
“We want to make Clarkston more of a restaurant destination than it already is,” Sarah said. “I think people are going to be really excited abut this.”
The site plan includes 129-135 seats, with 20 on a raised outdoor patio. They will serve food provided by local farmers, with private dining in the upstairs bank vault, wine locker in the downstairs vault, event venue in the lower level, and breakfast on the weekends.
The council approved special land use for the patio seating and an exception to parking requirements in the city ordinances, under Section 20.02U, General Requirements. Parking Space Deferment.
The restaurant plan meets requirements of the section, which permits excemption in the Parking Space Deferment District “if the applicant can demonstrate and the Planning Commission finds that adequate public parking is provided within a reasonable walking distance from the subject site.”
The Parking Space Deferment District includes downtown Main Street from just north of Washington Street to Waldon Road, including the Clarkston Mills on W. Washington Street.
The Planning Commission recommended approval of special land use and parking deferment at its Oct. 5 meeting.
City Manager Carol Eberhardt said she counted 300 public parking spots throughout the city in city-owned lots and curbside along residential streets.
“People can park there ? it’s public parking,” Eberhardt said.
“In my opinion, there is reasonable parking within walking distance to the site,” said Council member Mike Sabol, who also serves on the Planning Commission.
About 230 spaces are also located in private parking lots in the city, Eberhardt said.
The restaurant joins another eatery coming to downtown. City Council approved a Union Joints restaurant for 148 N. Main and 3 E. Church.
The Schneiders hope to open their restaurant by next spring, James said.