A courtyard designed as an “outdoor room’ for dining complete with a water feature is part of the proposed retail development on the southeast corner of Airport Way and Lathrop Road.

The 1,800-square-foot courtyard is part of the second phase of 13,000 plus square feet of buildings on 3.03 acres.

The initial phase will include a Chevron with 16 fueling stations, an Extra Mile convenience store, and a car wash as well as a quick serve restaurant with drive thru service.

The courtyard is between a retail building of 5,374 square feet and a pair of restaurant spaces — 1,908 and 2,092 square feet respectively — planned for the second phase.

The project is before the Manteca Planning Commission when they meet Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Civic Center, 1001 W. Center St.

The courtyard could accommodate up to nine tables.

The outdoor plaza embraces a general plan goal to encourage pedestrian activity in  commercial areas.

The planning staff report notes, “This area will act as an “outdoor room” with tables and seating, lush landscaping and a relaxing water feature. Spaces such as this are important in cities and encouraged because they provide opportunities to sit and congregate.”

“Opportunities to be in spaces like this can improve a person’s physical and mental well-being and are therefore an essential part in creating healthy, livable communities for people, rather than designing cities for just cars.”

The project also includes in excess of 30 trees.

It is the first commercial development in northeast Manteca.

The closest is a mile to the east at Union Road and Lathrop Road.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com