Plan panel approves Blue Collar Coffee seating expansion with dumpster relocation condition

The Plan Commission on July 30 approved a business‑plan amendment allowing Blue Collar Coffee to expand its seating area by roughly 949 square feet, subject to two conditions: the existing dumpster must be relocated to the south side of the road before the expansion is put into service, and the liquor license must be amended to include the expanded premises before any beer, wine or liquor is sold in the new space.

Amy Barrows, the city planner, summarized the request and noted the applicant previously received approval for outdoor seating in 2024 and will need a separate liquor‑license amendment from the Common Council before any alcohol can be sold in the expanded area. Carly Bloom, who identified herself as the property general manager, told the commission the proposed area is a closed‑in space that would be opened for additional seating and that the dumpster move has been pending since last October.

A motion to approve the business plan as presented passed by voice vote. The commission’s motion specified the two conditions noted above: relocate the dumpster to the south side of the road prior to expanding operations and modify the liquor license prior to sale of beer, wine or liquor in the expanded area.

Next steps: the applicant will relocate the dumpster and apply for the liquor license amendment; staff will verify those conditions before the expanded seating is allowed to open.