Maplewood council approves conditional-use permit for cafe at 2500 Sutton Boulevard

The Maplewood City Council on May 27 approved a conditional-use permit allowing Kanso Coffee to operate at 2500 Sutton Boulevard.

Council members read and approved findings of fact concluding the proposed cafe “complies with all applicable provisions of the zoning code,” will “contribute to and promote the community welfare and convenience,” and will not substantially increase traffic or fire hazards. The vote to adopt the findings and enact the measure passed unanimously and the bill (62.79) was approved as Ordinance 60 73.

During discussion Mayor Greenberg asked whether the city would take any special steps to reduce parking impacts on neighbors. The City Manager said the city would be “available for additional patrols after the time of opening just to make sure that driveways are being kept clear.”

A resident who spoke during public comment, Samuel Pickering, told the council he supported the permit and urged the city to allow more mixed-use zoning. “I am absolutely 100% all for that,” Pickering said of the permit and broader commercial activity near residences.

The council’s action included the formal findings of fact read into the record and approval by roll call. The council instructed staff to monitor neighborhood parking after opening and to follow up if enforcement or additional mitigation is needed.

The council approved the ordinance during unfinished business after tabling it to read the findings of fact; no appeal or amendment was recorded at the meeting.

Less critical details: the approval follows the city’s comprehensive-plan process, and staff noted the petitioner had engaged with neighbors prior to the hearing.