T-Bocks moving forward with outdoor seating

T-Bock's owner Mike Bockman thinks that more Water Street restaurants should have outdoor seating. That's why he is working with Decorah's City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission to make it a reality.

"Why not have outdoor seating?" Bockman asked. "We all live here for a reason, because it's beautiful, and I think people would like to be enjoying the outdoors while they eat."

The issue came up at last Tuesday's City Council and was discussed briefly.  City Manager Chad Bird sent a letter to the Downtown Decorah Betterment Association, asking its board to weigh in with its input.  DDBA President Chris Miller says the board is supportive of the general concept, but also wants to see the specific guidelines.

Despite not having City Council's permission to construct anything permanent yet, Bockman is setting up temporary outdoor seating at his restaurant this week.

"I'm kinda jumping the gun, but I'm ready to go," Bockman said. "We just got the fences in this morning and were putting furniture out there, and we'll be putting some flowers out there as well, this afternoon.

So far, T-Bocks and Restauration in the Hotel Winneshiek have expressed interest to the City Council in changing zoning ordinances on Water Street to allow for permanent and expanded outdoor dining areas.