City Council approves outdoor cafe permit for Ronnie's Mac Bar on North College Street

The Auburn City Council convened on May 20, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including development approvals and community concerns. The meeting began with discussions surrounding a proposed development project, which will consist of rental townhomes accessible from Shelton Lane. The planning director confirmed that the density of the project was appropriately averaged and that it would not negatively impact the surrounding area. The council voted unanimously in favor of the project.

Next, the council addressed a request to authorize the mayor and city manager to execute documents for the vacation of a sidewalk easement on property owned by Waterview Properties LLC at 122 Toomer Street. A public hearing was held, but no public comments were made, leading to the motion's swift approval.

The council then considered an outdoor café permit for AU Mac Bar LLC, located at 138 North College Street. This permit was necessary due to an ownership change, although the number of outdoor tables and chairs will remain unchanged. After another public hearing with no comments, the council approved the permit.

Following the agenda items, the meeting transitioned to the citizens' open forum. A resident raised concerns about visibility hazards at the intersection of Jordan Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard, citing obstructive trees and a tall box structure. The city manager acknowledged the issue and assured that the interim city engineer would investigate the matter further.

The meeting concluded with a brief discussion among council members, including a clarification regarding a historical figure related to local land donations. Overall, the council's decisions reflect ongoing efforts to manage urban development while addressing community safety concerns.