An outdoor eating area will return to downtown Mitchell this summer.  The Mitchell City Council last night approved a request by the owners of the 2nd and Lawler store to open the eating area from May until mid-October.  The 8-by-24 wooden deck will close several parking spaces on 2nd Avenue.  The space was used for the same purpose for a few months last summer, and there were no incidents or issues.

2nd and Lawler owner Jeremy Gunkel told the council that the deck was a popular feature and was well-perceived.  “People go inside and get yogurt.  Actually, everyday at lunch for soups and sandwiches, they’ll come out, and if it’s a nice day, they’ll eat out there.  It’s a nice little space.”

The council did require that reflective tape be placed on the deck so it could be seen better by vehicles after dark.