Aliya Schneider is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media two decisions made by the Hudson Planning Board Tue., Oct. 27. In a unanimous decision, the board decided the front patio of BackBar, located in the 300 block of Warren Street, can now stay open permanently. The original request to add outdoor seating and two tents was approved until January 2021. “We’re trying to keep it as healthy as possible and still be able to employ the same number of people, which we’ve been able to do so far this year,” BackBar's attorney said. Prior to the May expansion, the front patio space was essentially unused with the exception of some events, for which BackBar had to apply for permits, General Manager Alex Glen said. No members of the public spoke at the public hearing held prior to the vote, Oct. 27. That same night, the board gave the go-ahead to the Columbia Filling Station, a new brewery proposed for the building that formerly housed the TJ Auto Service Center on upper Columbia Street. Emma O’Donnell and her husband Paul O’Donnell, of 735 Columbia St. LLC, want to acquire the property at 735-737 Columbia St., to create a bar, restaurant and brewery. The application passed under the conditions the couple pays all escrow fees, and amplified music is not permitted at the venue after 10 p.m. Only Planning Board member Larry Bowen voted against the plan. Read more at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.